What do blood pressure readings mean?

Blood pressure readings are measurements of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. They are given in two numbers, the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure.

* Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

* Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure readings above 140/90 mm Hg are considered to be high blood pressure.

What do the numbers mean?

The first number, the systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. This is the highest pressure your arteries experience during a heartbeat. The second number, the diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. This is the lowest pressure your arteries experience during a heartbeat.

What is a healthy blood pressure?

A healthy blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. This means that your systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg and your diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mm Hg.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mm Hg. High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

What causes high blood pressure?

There are many different causes of high blood pressure, including:

* Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop high blood pressure than others due to their genes.

* Age: As you get older, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases.

* Race: African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than white people.

* Gender: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women.

* Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Physical activity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

* Diet: Eating a diet high in sodium (salt) and saturated fat can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can damage the arteries and increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

How is high blood pressure treated?

There are many different ways to treat high blood pressure, including:

* Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can all help to lower blood pressure.

* Medication: There are many different types of medications that can be used to lower blood pressure.

How can I prevent high blood pressure?

There are many things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure, including:

* Eat a healthy diet: Choose a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

* Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

* Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to lower your blood pressure.

* Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes can damage the arteries and increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

If you have high blood pressure, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and make sure it is under control.