Blood Pressure Numbers Explained

Most people know that high blood pressure can indicate a serious problem. However, not everyone understands exactly why that is the case. Many do not know what the two pressure readings, called diastolic and systolic, mean. Without that knowledge, they may ignore or downplay blood pressure numbers that are considered outside of the norm.

Significance

• Blood pressure occurs as the heart pumps blood through the arteries. The condition of those arteries can affect the force of the blood flowing. Diseased or clogged arteries are unable to adequately stretch to accept the force with which the blood is being pumped. That can result in major circulatory problems for the areas of the body where those arteries are.

Function

• A healthy human heart typically has between 60 and 80 beats per minute. However, what is considered normal can vary slightly from person to person. Athletes sometimes exhibit a lower heartbeat, while some healthy individuals exhibit beats above 80 per minute.
  Blood pressure rises each time the heart beats and lowers in between beats when the heart is resting. Normal blood pressure is calculated at 120 over 80 for most adults, but it can vary depending on what is happening within the body at the time the reading is taken. For example, a person who is exercising may have a higher blood pressure than one who is asleep. An individual's health can also affect blood pressure. Patients in severe pain often exhibit a temporary elevated blood pressure that will go down once pain is abated.

Types

• Systolic blood pressure defines the pressure under which the heart is beating. It should be the higher of the two blood pressure numbers and is exhibited in the top position. In a standard blood pressure measurement, it would be 120. Diastolic blood pressure defines the pressure exhibited when the heart is at rest. It should be the lower of the two numbers and is exhibited in the bottom position. It would be 80 in a standard blood pressure measurement.

Considerations

• High blood pressure can lead to serious heart disease, which might result in heart attack. While high blood pressure can occur within any individual, including children, it most often exhibits itself in adults older than 40; overweight individuals; those who abuse drugs or alcohol; diabetics; and those with other severe chronic health issues, such as COPD, kidney disease and cancer.
  Defining high blood pressure can be tricky because it can vary slightly. Specialists in the heart field will generally run a battery of tests, including a stress test, before making such a diagnosis. As a common rule, however, high blood pressure is considered anything above the 140 on the upper, systolic reading and over 90 on the lower, diastolic reading.
  Systolic pressure can rise when the condition under which blood is being pumped through the arteries is not optimal. Some situations may be temporary, such as stress-induced trauma. Others can herald a more serious problem, including clogged or diseased arteries. Diastolic pressure may also rise because of certain health conditions that put undue stress on the heart, not allowing it to relax properly.

Warning

• Certain diseases and conditions can affect blood pressure and put the heart at risk.
  High cholesterol can clog arteries, making it difficult for blood to pump normally, leading to high blood pressure and possible heart attack. Coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease can also lead to situations that do not allow arteries and blood vessels to respond appropriately. Because of this, they too can lead to heart attack, stroke or both. Common conditions including diabetes and obesity may also lead to serious heart issues if an individual does not get them under control.
  Congenital heart defects can impact blood pressure. While it is possible to live a long, normal life with some of these conditions, others can turn life-threatening. Only a physician with training in the cardiovascular system can make an appropriate determination regarding such risks.