Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers



Are you concerned about your blood pressure? If so, you can easily start monitoring it in your own time in your own home. You still want to have it checked regularly by your doctor. The best way to monitor your blood pressure is by understanding the numbers first.

There is a top and bottom number for your blood pressure reading. The top number is your systolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart is beating.

The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart relaxes between each beat.

There are four different categories your blood pressure reading can fall under. The first is a normal blood pressure reading. Normal blood pressure is when your systolic pressure is below 120 and your diastolic pressure is below 80. This would read 120/80. You can keep this blood pressure number by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The second category is 'prehypertension.' This is where your systolic pressure reads 120-139. Your diastolic pressure would be between 80 and 89. This would read as 121/81 or 139/89. If you have prehypertension just maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your blood pressure from increasing.

The third category is called Stage 1 hypertension. This is where your systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 and your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. If you have a reading like this try to adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you cannot lower your blood pressure on your own talk with your doctor about medication.

The fourth category is called Stage 2 hypertension. This is where your systolic pressure is 160 or higher and your diastolic pressure is 100 or higher. If you have this high of blood pressure consider adapting a healthier lifestyle and talk with your doctor about taking medication to help lower it.

While you can easily watch your diet and weight and get plenty of exercise to help maintain or lower your blood pressure, that may not be enough. Blood pressure medication might be prescribed by your doctor and you might even have to take two.

If this happens be sure you tell your doctor of any other medication you might be taking. Some medications including antidepressants, cold medicines, nasal decongestants and even oral contraceptives can raise your blood pressure.

Like usual, talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have and if you have any questions about your blood pressure. There are many available ways to treat high blood pressure and you want to be sure to find the right option best suited for you.

By taking control of your blood pressure you can take control of your health and have a longer healthier life. If you smoke, try to quit, try to limit your alcohol consumption and eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

If you have a dog, take a walk with them everyday. Get yourself at least thirty minutes of physical activity. You will be thankful you did when you realize how much better you feel.




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

What Can Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Lowering Your Blood Pressure
All About Blood Pressure
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood Pressure Medications - Remembering To Take Them
Finding The Right Blood Pressure Home Monitor
High Blood Pressure 101
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure At Home
Tips For Controlling Your Blood Pressure
Your Child's Blood Pressure
Understanding Your Blood Pressure
Taking Control Of Your Blood Pressure
Preventing High Blood Pressure
When To Use Blood Pressure Medication
Diet And Food Affect Your Blood Pressure
Why Do We Develop High Blood Pressure?
Children And Blood Pressure
What Should You Know If You Have High Blood Pressure?
Who Can Develop High Blood Pressure?
Are You At Risk For High Blood Pressure?
Benefits Of Early Blood Pressure Monitoring
How Does Exercise Help Your Blood Pressure?
Options For Dealing With High Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure Control = Health Control






My Articles


How Does Exercise Help Your Blood Pressure? Do you want to take control of your blood pressure? If so..


Your Child's Blood Pressure You may not realize that your child can develop high blood..


Preventing High Blood Pressure If you are battling high blood pressure there are many ways to lower it and..


When To Use Blood Pressure Medication If you are concerned about your blood pressure there are..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
No item elements found in rss feed.