The Numbers You Need to Know to Unlock the Secret to Your Blood Pressure Reading

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Routinely monitoring your blood pressure is a vital health factor which is essential to sustaining your wellness goals. Your blood pressure may change over a period of time and is also an important indication of your heart health. Avoiding the risk of high blood pressure and other potential health concerns, by knowing your numbers are within the normal range helps with your overall wellness plans. Untreated high blood pressure can cause stress to your heart and arteries, as well as contribute to an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns. Your blood pressure should be an ongoing conversation with your medical advisor. These are the key numbers that you need to know to unlock the secret to your blood pressure reading.

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The Numbers You Need to Know to Unlock the Secret to Your Blood Pressure Reading

Gaining a better understanding of the two key numbers— systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings will give you valuable, hearth health insights into your cardiovascular well-being and overall health outlook.  

Systolic- Measures your pressure when your heart beats or pumps.

Diastolic- Measures your pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Both systolic and diastolic numbers are reported in millimeters of mercury mmHg.

Getting to know your blood pressure category helps you to best recognize any possible risks and offer potential recommended actions to consider adopting into your lifestyle. 

Here's a basic understanding of blood pressure reading categories according to the American Heart Association-

Normal Blood Pressure

Less than 120mmHg Systolic and less than 80mmHg Diastolic

*Recommendations- Healthy lifestyle choices and yearly checks to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Elevated Blood Pressure

120-129mmHg Systolic and less than 80mmHg Diastolic

*Recommendations- Healthy lifestyle changes, reassessed in 3-6 months.

High Blood Pressure / Stage 1 Hypertension

130-139mmHg Systolic and 80-89mmHg Diastolic

*Recommendations- 10-year heart disease and stroke risk assessment. If less than 10% risk, lifestyle changes, reassessed in 3-6 months. If higher, lifestyle changes and medication with monthly follow-ups until blood pressure is controlled.

High Blood Pressure / Stage 2 Hypertension

Equal to or more than 140mmHg Systolic and equal to or more than 90mmHg Diastolic

*Recommendations- Lifestyle changes, medicine, follow-ups until BP is controlled. 

*Individual recommendations need to come from your doctor.

Medical Disclaimer - The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

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