What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. It’s measured with two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Why Does Blood Pressure Matter?

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Vision loss

What is Considered High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is categorized as follows:

• Normal: Systolic below 120 and diastolic below 80
• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic below 80
• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
• Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher

How Can You Manage Your Blood Pressure?

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit sodium intake.
   • Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
   • Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight.
   • Stress Reduction: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
   • Limit Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption.
   • Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
2. Medication:
   • If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.

Regular Blood Pressure Checks

It’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for high blood pressure, such as:

• Family history of high blood pressure
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol

By understanding blood pressure and taking steps to manage it, you can reduce your risk of serious health problems and live a healthier life.

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