Explain the readings for systolic and diastolic pressure that is what actually happening?
Systolic and diastolic pressure are two numbers that are used to measure blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts), while diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes (between beats).
Blood Pressure Numbers Explained
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A healthy blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is higher than this, you may have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Stage Category
Blood Pressure (mm Hg)
Normal Under 120/80
Elevated 120-129/less than 80
Stage 1 hypertension 130-139/80-89
Stage 2 hypertension 140/90 or greater
*Hypertension crisis* Greater than 180/110
Systolic Pressure Reading
When your heart beats, it pumps blood out of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) into the arteries. This causes the pressure in the arteries to increase. The highest pressure reached during a heartbeat is the systolic pressure.
The systolic pressure reading tells you how much force the blood is putting on the walls of your arteries during a heartbeat. A high systolic pressure can damage the arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Diastolic Pressure Reading
Between heartbeats, the pressure in the arteries decreases. The lowest pressure reached between heartbeats is the diastolic pressure.
The diastolic pressure reading tells you how much force the blood is putting on the walls of your arteries when the heart is resting. A high diastolic pressure can also damage the arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
There are a number of factors that can affect your blood pressure, including:
* Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age.
* Gender: Men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women.
* Race: African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure than other races.
* Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
* Diet: A diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can increase blood pressure.
* Physical activity: Lack of physical activity can increase blood pressure.
* Smoking: Smoking can increase blood pressure.
* Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol use can increase blood pressure.
* Stress: Stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.
* Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can increase blood pressure.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
The following factors increase the risk of developing high blood pressure:
* Being overweight or obese
* Smoking
* Excessive alcohol use
* Lack of physical activity
* High cholesterol
* Diabetes
* Chronic kidney disease
* Family history of high blood pressure
* Age 65 or older
Managing Blood Pressure
There are a number of things you can do to manage your blood pressure, including:
* Eating a healthy diet
* Getting regular physical activity
* Quitting smoking
* Limiting alcohol use
* Managing stress
* Medications (if needed)
Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and how you can manage it.