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  • Anyone who has ever had their blood pressure taken has wondered exactly what those numbers mean. The Mayo Clinic explains that a blood pressure reading has four categories; they range from normal to high blood pressure. Determining the level of your blood pressure helps delineate the type of treatment necessary. Getting your accurate blood pressure reading must be based on two readings taken while you are sitting.

    What is blood pressure

    Your heartbeats create a force that makes sure your blood moves through your circulatory system. As your heart contracts, it creates a surge. The surge period is called systolic. It is the top number on the blood pressure reading. Your heart then rests and expands. This is called diastolic, and it is the lower number on your reading.

    Understanding the reading

    The instrument used to read your blood pressure is called a sphygmomanometer. As the cuff expands, it squeezes the large artery. As the cuff deflates, it measures your blood pressure as it goes through the artery. Ranges are different for children and teenagers. For an adult, the normal reading for the top number, systolic, is below 120 and the lower number (diastolic) is below 80. If that is your reading, you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pre-hypertension is 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. Your reading is still considered healthy and should be watched. Stage 1 hypertension is 140-159 systolic and 90-99 diastolic. This means you need to discuss a blood pressure goal with your doctor and possibly start a medication. Stage 2 hypertension is 160 + systolic and 100 + diastolic. It is important that you adopt a healthy lifestyle and talk to your physician about more medication.

    High and Low Blood Pressure

    Damage can occur to your arteries if you have high blood pressure or hypertension. This can lead to heart disease, kidney disease or heart attack. High blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms. It is referred to as the silent killer. Low blood pressure will cause you to be dizzy and faint. Blood pressure has a tendency to rise with age. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will prevent or delay high blood pressure. Remember, blood pressure medication needs to be taken daily. It is vitally important you follow your treatment plan. Call you physician if you are feel dizzy, or have chest pains or headaches.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic

    Health Square

    American Heart Association

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