Introduction
Blood pressure is a reading of the pressure exerted by the continuous pumping of the heart. The heart pumps blood and gushes blood within the arteries of the body. It is imperative to be aware of one’s blood pressure because alterations in blood pressure may lead to several cardiovascular conditions. The question arises, how to find out one’s blood pressure? The answer is simple and standard via a blood pressure test.
A sphygmomanometer is a diagnostic device that helps in reading and providing accurate blood pressure. After this, an individual is acknowledged for the blood pressure range they fall in. High blood pressure and low blood pressure are the two medical conditions of the cardiovascular system that indicate an abnormality either with the blood vessels of the heart or other bodily systems. Thus, understanding blood pressure and its ranges is a key factor in maintaining blood pressure.
What Does High Blood Pressure Refer To?
BP or high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a cardiovascular condition that results in increased pressure on the heart in order to pump blood to the rest of the body. High blood pressure, if not corrected, may end up in the formation and prevalence of several consequential health and cardiac issues, such as episodes of heart attack, failure of the heart, stroke, and kidney malfunctioning. The early detection and management of high blood pressure are vital in order to prevent such health problems. There are several kinds of medications that have the potential to aid in the treatment of high blood pressure. These medications and drugs are referred to as antihypertensives.
What Does Low Blood Pressure Refer To?
Low blood pressure with no clinical signs or symptoms is generally not very serious. Nevertheless, health issues may definitely develop if the blood pressure drops, depriving the brain of an adequate blood supply. This will eventually lead to dizziness as well as difficulty in breathing. A sudden decrease in one’s blood pressure most commonly occurs while standing up abruptly. This type of abnormality in blood pressure is called postural hypotension. Another kind of decrease in blood pressure that can result from standing for a long time is called neurally mediated hypotension.
What Is the Nominal Range of Blood Pressure?
The standard way to measure blood pressure is by obtaining the readings of two numbers. The first number is indicative of systolic pressure, which measures the pressure within the arteries while the heart beats. The second number is indicative of diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries while the heart rests between two beats.
Mentioned below are the healthy ranges of blood pressure.
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The normal range of blood pressure is when the reading of systolic should be less than 120 while diastolic should be less than 80
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An elevated range of blood pressure is when the reading of the systolic is between 120-120 and the diastolic is less than 80
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High blood pressure or hypertension has two stages: stage 1 and stage 2.
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Stage 1 has a systolic range between 130-139, while diastolic ranges from 80-89.
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Stage 2 ranges have a systolic reading of more than 140 and a diastolic range of more than 90.
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If the systolic blood pressure is more than 180 and the diastolic is more than 120, it leads to a hypertensive crisis.
What Are the Blood Pressure Categories Recognized by the American Heart Association?
The five blood pressure ranges recognized by the American Heart Association AHA are as follows.
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Normal- Blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is within the normal range. Healthy habits for the heart, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, must be maintained.
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Elevated- Elevated blood pressure ranges from 120-129/ 80 mm Hg. Individuals with elevated blood pressure ranges are more prone to high blood pressure. This can be easily avoided by taking crucial steps toward a healthy heart.
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Stage 1 hypertension is when the blood pressure always falls under 130-139/80-89 mm Hg. The health care professional will prescribe medications along with lifestyle changes based on the risk of developing a cardiovascular condition or atherosclerosis.
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Stage 2 hypertension is when blood pressure always falls under the range of 140/90 mm Hg or more. A combination of antihypertensives with regular fitness activity becomes mandatory.
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A hypertensive crisis is a stage of high blood pressure requiring medical attention immediately in order to avoid life-threatening conditions.
Which Number of the Blood Pressure Is More Vital?
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are the two readings of blood pressure. The upper limit is called systolic, and the lower limit is called diastolic. Both limits are important, and it is necessary to maintain them within optimum levels. But closer attention is usually given to the upper limit or the systolic blood pressure because systolic blood pressure increases stealthily with age due to the stiffness of large blood vessels and long-standing buildup of fat plaque leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to this, the risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack increases with a higher range of systolic readings in blood pressure.
Conclusion
Blood pressure or BP refers to the amount of pressure exerted by the cardiovascular system in order to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. A blood pressure reading appears in the form of two numbers. The first, or the number on the top, which is the higher of the two, is referred to as systolic pressure- the pressure running in the arteries while the heart is beating. The second number, or the number below, measures diastolic pressure- the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Being aware of blood pressure is essential to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. In addition, living an active lifestyle and avoiding foods rich in cholesterol will aid in maintaining an individual’s blood pressure, including overall cardiovascular health.
