Maintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for overall well-being. But What Is Good Blood Pressure, and how do you ensure yours is in the optimal range? This guide explains the different blood pressure categories and what they mean for your health.
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers, systolic and diastolic, representing the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and when it rests, respectively.
Decoding Blood Pressure Readings: Systolic and Diastolic
- Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the top number and indicates the pressure when your heart contracts or beats. It reflects the force of blood against your artery walls during heartbeats.
- Diastolic Blood Pressure: The bottom number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle is resting between beats.
While both numbers are important, systolic blood pressure becomes increasingly significant for individuals over 50 as it more accurately reflects the risk of heart disease as we age due to factors like arterial stiffness and plaque buildup.
What is Considered Good Blood Pressure?
Understanding the categories helps clarify what is good blood pressure:
- Normal Blood Pressure: A reading of less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic is considered normal. Maintaining this range is ideal for heart health. Continue heart-healthy habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic pressure between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg is elevated. This stage requires attention and lifestyle adjustments recommended by your healthcare provider to prevent progression to hypertension.
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic pressure between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg. Lifestyle changes are crucial, and medication may be considered depending on your risk factors for heart disease or stroke, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic pressure at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure at or above 90 mmHg. This stage typically requires both medication and lifestyle modifications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Hypertensive Crisis: A reading above 180 mmHg systolic and/or above 120 mmHg diastolic constitutes a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical attention.
Recognizing Hypertensive Crisis and When to Call for Help
In a hypertensive crisis, you may experience symptoms requiring emergency care. Call 911 immediately if your blood pressure is significantly higher than 180/120 mmHg and you are experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
If you get an unusually high reading but are not experiencing these severe symptoms, wait five minutes and retake your blood pressure. If it remains elevated, contact your healthcare professional promptly for guidance.
Knowing what is good blood pressure and regularly monitoring your levels are key steps in managing your cardiovascular health and preventing serious complications.
