Understanding Blood Pressure: The Key to Heart Health
What is Blood Pressure?
Our hearts pump blood to our body’s organs using our blood vessels. Blood pressure is the measure of the force our body uses to do this.
Systolic pressure and diastolic pressure are the two numbers we measure to get an accurate reading. The top number of the reading is the systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart muscle beats, pumping blood throughout the body. The bottom number of the reading is the diastolic pressure, when your heart relaxes during beats.
An example of a low blood pressure reading would be 90 over 60. A normal blood pressure reading would be around 120 over 80, 120 being the top number and 80 being the bottom number. An example of a high blood pressure reading would be 140 over 90.
Low Blood Pressure - Hypotension
Low Blood Pressure, also known as Hypotension, occurs when the blood pressure in your arteries is surprisingly low.
Although it doesn’t always show symptoms, we recommend checking your blood pressure if you experience any of the following:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Experiencing nausea or feeling unwell.
- Encountering blurred vision.
- Experiencing weakness.
- Confusion.
- Fainting.
High Blood Pressure - Hypertension
High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, places more strain on your heart and organs.
High blood pressure symptoms are rare, so the only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to monitor it regularly.
Some risk factors that increase your chance of High Blood Pressure include:
- Age, with the risk increasing as you get older.
- Family history of high blood pressure.
- High salt consumption.
- Excess weight or obesity.
- Insufficient physical activity.
- Smoking.
- Consuming large amounts of alcohol.
- Consuming large amounts of liquorice.
- Prolonged sleep deprivation.
To help reduce high blood pressure, there are some lifestyle changes we recommend:
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Consume a balanced diet that is low in fat.
- Weight loss if overweight.
- Exercise.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Reduce caffeine consumption.
- Strive for a minimum of six hours of sleep per night.
High Blood pressure can lead to life threatening health conditions including strokes and heart disease. As well as increasing your chances of dementia, kidney failure, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and loss of eyesight.
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall well-being. As both low and high blood pressure can significantly impact your health. By understanding the importance of blood pressure monitoring and adopting lifestyle changes, you can manage your blood pressure effectively.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of hypotension or need to keep hypertension in check, taking proactive steps is essential. To get your blood pressure checked accurately, visit our Blood Pressure Measurement Service at McCabes Pharmacy. Our pharmacists can also offer advice on home blood pressure monitoring to help you keep track of your health from the comfort of your own home. Taking control of your heart health starts with knowing your numbers and making informed choices.
