What Is the Meaning of Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure (BP) measures the pressure within the blood vessels and arteries. There are two significant numbers related to blood pressure. The first is the systolic, and the second is the diastolic.

Diastolic/Systolic

• The pressure as the heart pushes blood into the arteries is called the diastolic. The systolic pressure is the pressure created as the arteries resist the blood flow.

Factors That Can Affect BP

• Blood pressure can change depending on whether a person is lying down or standing up. Physical activity and emotional state affect blood pressure.

The Numbers

• A reading of 120 over 80 or less constitutes normal blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. A reading of 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 constitutes pre-hypertension, and a reading of 140 over 90 or higher is high blood pressure.

Complications From High BP

• Persons suffering from high blood pressure are at increased risk for heart attack and/or stroke. They also have higher rates of kidney and other organ failure.

Keeping a Healthy BP

• To maintain a healthy blood pressure, a person should eat a healthy, low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Frequent exercise can lower the risk of developing blood pressure related problems.

Check BP Regularly

• Blood pressure should be checked by a physician or nurse at least twice a year because blood pressure related complications often do not show up until they are life threatening.