Learning what affects your blood pressure will help you understand the fluctuations in the readings. Blood pressure is an easily obtainable, accurate reflection of your overall cardiac health and can be altered with just a few simple lifestyle changes.
Fluctuations
Blood pressure will fluctuate from minute to minute and is highly dependent upon your physical and emotional state at the time it is taken. Read your blood pressure at the same time daily, while you are in a relatively calm state.
Rest Before Reading
If you sprint to the doctor’s office because you are running late this will give you a false high blood pressure reading. Try to relax for at least 15 minutes prior to having your blood pressure taken.
Systolic Pressure
The top number of your blood pressure reading is called the systolic measure. This number reflects the pressure needed to pump blood from your heart into your body, and reflects the health of your arterial system.
Diastolic Pressure
The bottom number of your blood pressure reading is the diastolic measure, which measures the pressure of your heart and arteries when the heart is not contracting. This number will be lower than the systolic pressure and measures the baseline health of your cardiac system.
Putting it Together
According to the American Heart Association, a systolic reading in a healthy adult should be less than 120. Your diastolic reading should be less than 80 to represent optimal health. Remember, variations will occur and one elevated reading does not indicate high blood pressure.
