Keeping track of blood pressure readings can help provide clues as to how well the heart muscle is doing its job at delivering blood and oxygen to the body. When blood pressure starts to rise too high it means that the risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke rises with it. High blood pressure is a signal that the heart muscle is working too hard and/or the blood vessels are restricting blood flow. To help lower the risk of disease it is important to maintain a healthy blood pressure reading throughout life. Good lifestyle choices can help achieve this.
Identification
As the blood is pumped through the body, it exerts a force against the blood vessel walls. Healthy blood vessels are somewhat elastic so that they can expand to allow blood to flow through as the heart muscle pumps it out. This force is measured by taking a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure is recorded as a fraction. The top number is the systolic, which represents the heart beating, states the American Heat Association. The bottom number is the diastolic, which represents the heart at rest.
Benefits
Blood pressure is considered healthy if it is lower than 120/80 mm Hg, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that the heart is not being overworked as it pumps blood and that the blood vessels are not restricting blood flow. There is no definitive number that represents blood pressure that is too low. Low blood pressure is only a concern if it causes symptoms such as dizziness, trouble breathing, or fainting spells. If symptoms accompany low blood pressure, it may be a sign that the heart muscle is damaged or diseased, and unable to pump enough blood.
Warnings
When blood pressure readings reach between 120/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg, it is starting to get too high, and this stage is called prehypertension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute warns that prehypertension is a sign that the risk for developing high blood pressure is increasing, and steps need to be taken to prevent complications. It is important to remember that high blood pressure usually does not cause any symptoms until it is dangerously high. In some cases, a heart attack or stroke is the only warning sign. The only way to know if blood pressure is healthy or not is to have it checked regularly. This can be done during visits to the doctor, or with blood pressure testing devices that can be used at home.
Prevention/Solution
There are steps that can be taken to keep blood pressure readings at a healthy level. These steps are especially important as the body ages, and for anyone with chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and limiting intake of salt, fat and cholesterol. Since obesity is linked to high blood pressure, it is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Regular aerobic-type exercises such as walking, biking, swimming and dancing, can help keep blood pressure levels down. It is also necessary to limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking, as tobacco can damage blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure.
Considerations
According to the National Institutes of Health, close to half of all individuals over the age of 60 have high blood pressure even though high blood pressure is not a normal part of aging. While there are physical changes to the heart and circulatory system that do naturally occur with age, lifestyle choices are usually the reason the blood pressure climbs too high in seniors. Starting around age 45 for a man and 55 for a women, it becomes increasingly important to make healthy lifestyle choices and stay on top of blood pressure readings.
References
- American Heat Association: Blood Pressure
- Mayo Clinic: Blood Pressure Chart: What Your Reading Means
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Pressure
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
- National Institutes of Health Senior Health: High Blood Pressure
