Blood Pressure
Keep your blood pressure in the healthy range
Whenever someone goes in for a medical appointment, there are four standard measurements that are taken before the individual is actually seen by the physician. Those four standard measurements are weight, height, pulse and blood pressure.
Through these standard measurements, the medical staff will get a snapshot of the overall health of the individual who's about to be treated. Height and weight measurements can be used to determine body mass index, and pulse is an indicator of general heart health, as is blood pressure. Both high blood pressure and low blood pressure can be problematic to a person's long-term health, so recognizing and correcting these problems as soon as possible is important.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of the blood moving through the circulatory system and is an indicator of the pressure exerted against the arterial walls. When blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure monitor, two numbers are reported. A digital blood pressure monitor usually displays these numbers one over the other, making it particularly easy to read and use.
The first number displayed—the top number on a digital display—is the systolic pressure and indicates the pressure of that is exerted against the walls of the artery when the heart pumps or squeezes. This number should be the larger of the two, but too high, and the pressure could be doing damage to the artery.
The second number—the bottom number—is the diastolic reading and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. This should be the lower of the two numbers. The lower the number, the greater the length of time for the heart to rest, but too low, and blood may not be circulating well enough, especially to the extremities.
Generally, 120/80 is considered a normal blood pressure, though ideal readings may vary depending on the particular individual. Your doctor will be able discuss the specifics of your blood pressure and its indications for your general health.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are many reasons why an individual may be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Some people may have a genetic predisposition toward the condition. Diet has also been proven to play a major role.
One sometimes overlooked cause of high blood pressure is lifestyle. Specifically, if an individual is emotionally distraught or is under a great deal of stress, they may have a corresponding rise in blood pressure. Thus, people who work in high-stress industries or who are constantly under pressure tend to be at higher risk for high blood pressure and the corresponding health risks.
High blood pressure symptoms are often masked, which is why it is called "the silent killer." However, dizziness and headaches can be indicators of this condition.