Patients with high blood pressure readings have a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. There are a number of steps that can be taken to lower blood pressure and prevent related diseases.
Numbers
Blood pressure readings are typically given as a set of two numbers, often in the form of A/B, Family Doctor explains. A is the systolic pressure, which is the blood pressure when the heart is actively beating, and the lower number, B, is known as the diastolic pressure. This indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Interpretation
Normally, systolic pressure should be less than 120 mm of mercury, whereas diastolic should be less than 80 mm of mercury. Prehypertension is defined as systolic pressure that is between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure that is between 80 and 89 mm of mercury explains the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Anything above these numbers is considered hypertension.
Multiple Readings
Blood pressure can fluctuate dramatically between measurements taken at different points during the day. For that reason, patients with high blood pressure readings should have their pressure measured several times during the course of several days to confirm the measurement.
Lifestyle Changes
According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, hypertension can often be treated by making some lifestyle changes, such as following a low-fat and low-salt diet. Patients with high blood pressure should also maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Medicines
Patients with chronically high blood pressure readings can also benefit from a number of medications. Some of these medications remove fluids from the body, whereas others expand the arteries.
