Understanding what high blood pressure means is crucial for maintaining good health. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When this force is consistently too high, it’s called high blood pressure, or hypertension. This condition can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Decoding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, systolic and diastolic:
- Systolic Pressure: This is the top number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps out blood.
- Diastolic Pressure: This is the bottom number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Both numbers are important, but for people over 50, systolic blood pressure is often a more significant risk factor for heart disease. This is because systolic pressure tends to increase with age due to factors like stiffening of large arteries and plaque buildup.
Blood Pressure Categories Explained
Blood pressure is categorized into different ranges to help determine the appropriate course of action:
- Normal: If your blood pressure is in the normal range, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is key. This includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Elevated: Elevated blood pressure means your numbers are higher than normal but not yet in the hypertension range. At this stage, working with your healthcare provider to manage it is important.
- Hypertension Stage 1: In Stage 1 hypertension, lifestyle changes are crucial, and medication may be considered depending on your risk of heart disease or stroke, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
- Hypertension Stage 2: Stage 2 hypertension typically requires both blood pressure medication and lifestyle modifications to manage the condition effectively.
- Hypertensive Crisis: A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. If your blood pressure readings are extremely high, especially above 180/120, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes along with very high blood pressure require calling 911 immediately.
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and understanding what the numbers mean is the first step in taking control of your heart health. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
