Each time you visit your doctor, having your blood pressure checked is a routine part of the appointment. You’re likely familiar with the process: a nurse wraps a cuff around your upper arm, it tightens to squeeze your arm, and then slowly loosens.
This blood pressure reading provides your doctor with valuable insights into your overall health and potential health risks. But What Do The numbers that appear actually signify? And how does elevated blood pressure impact your well-being?
Decoding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
When your blood pressure is measured, you’ll see two numbers presented. The top number is known as your systolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure represents the force exerted on your artery walls when your heart contracts and pumps blood. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, which indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Generally, the systolic blood pressure, the higher number, is particularly informative for your doctor in assessing your risk of heart disease. Over time, systolic blood pressure tends to increase as plaque accumulates in the arteries and they become less flexible. Therefore, a higher systolic reading can suggest increased arterial damage and a greater risk of heart disease.
However, diastolic blood pressure is also crucial. For individuals between 40 and 89 years old, the risk of both stroke and heart disease doubles with every 10 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure.
Your blood pressure reading is displayed as two numbers separated by a slash, often verbally communicated as “120 over 80,” for example. A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered within the healthy, normal range. If your blood pressure is normal, it’s important to maintain healthy habits like regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and stress management.
If your blood pressure falls outside the normal range, your healthcare provider might discuss potential cardiovascular treatments with you.
- Elevated blood pressure is diagnosed when your systolic blood pressure consistently measures between 120-129 mmHg, while your diastolic blood pressure remains within the normal range. In this case, your provider will likely recommend lifestyle modifications focused on heart health to lower your blood pressure and prevent the development of hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Hypertension Stage 1 is characterized by consistently elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Treatment might initially involve lifestyle adjustments. Your provider may also prescribe blood pressure medication, especially if you have additional risk factors for heart attack or stroke.
- Hypertension Stage 2 is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are regularly 140/90 mmHg or higher. For stage 2 hypertension, medication is usually prescribed alongside lifestyle recommendations.
- Hypertensive Crisis represents a sudden, severe spike in blood pressure requiring immediate medical attention. If your blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience accompanying symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, or speech difficulties, call emergency services (911).
Blood pressure guidelines
Why Managing Your Blood Pressure is Essential
Sustained high blood pressure significantly elevates your risk of developing serious conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke. Specifically concerning heart disease, managing your blood pressure stands out as the most critical controllable risk factor. Hypertension is more prevalent than risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Regardless of whether your blood pressure is normal, slightly elevated, or high, adopting certain lifestyle changes can help improve your readings. Key principles for managing blood pressure and promoting heart health include:
- Diet: Consume three balanced meals daily, prioritizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimizing processed foods and those high in sodium is beneficial. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary or caffeinated drinks.
- Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each week. For most, this translates to five 30-minute sessions of aerobic activities like brisk walking, dancing, high-intensity weight training, or cycling.
- Stress Management: Reduce stress levels through healthy coping mechanisms such as meditation, talk therapy, or exercise. Additionally, prioritize getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal stress management.
Connect with a Provider in Portland
Take proactive steps for your heart health and understand your blood pressure numbers by scheduling a check-up with a healthcare provider. Explore our primary care services in Portland or find a provider near you today. If you or your provider have concerns about your heart health, consider scheduling a consultation with our cardiology team.
