Blood pressure is a common medical test that measures the pressure your blood puts on your blood vessels. It is a good indicator into the state of your cardiovascular system. If your blood pressure is too high, it stretches out your arteries, can prevent blood flow and possibly cause a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is important to monitor and, if necessary, lower your blood pressure.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood applies to your arteries. When your heart beats, blood is pushed through your blood vessels. Normal, healthy vessels are constructed of flexible, elastic tissue that stretches under pressure. This allows blood to flow throughout the body without damaging the vessels. However, if you suffer from high blood pressure, your arteries will stretch out over time. This can lead to serious damage to the cardiovascular system and increase your risk of heart disease.
What is the Difference Between Systolic and Diastolic?
Blood pressure scores are given as two numbers. The first, or top number will be higher. This number indicates your systolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the pressure on your arteries when your heart muscles contract and your heart beats. The second number measures your diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the pressure on your arteries in between heart beats.
What are Healthy Blood Pressure Scores?
A healthy blood pressure score is any level below 120 over 80 mm/Hg. If you have a reading above this, you are at risk of high blood pressure. The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure, known as hypertension, as blood pressure scores of 140 over 90 or higher. If you have any score above the healthy range of 120 over 80 you should monitor your blood pressure and take the necessary steps to reduce it.
What are the Health Risks of Hypertension?
Elevated blood pressure scores can cause serious health problems. Prolonged hypertension can result in overstretched blood vessels, which leads to other hazardous conditions. Weakened arteries are more susceptible to tears, ruptures and scars. If your blood vessels have scarring, it can prevent blood from passing and cause blood clots to form, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. In addition, if an adequate amount of blood does not reach certain areas of the body, these body parts will not receive enough oxygen. Without oxygen, these tissues and organs will be damaged.
How Do You Control Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure may not be your fault. It is often inherited through genetics. However, there are several steps you can take control or reduce your blood pressure. These include maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, being physically active, and quitting smoking and drinking heavily.
