Your blood pressure may be an indication of your general health. High blood pressure can damage your organs and vessel walls, resulting in potentially fatal diseases. A normal blood pressure level, on the other hand, suggests that your risk of developing severe illnesses like heart attacks is lower. With help from Express Pharmacy Online, we’ll go through what your blood pressure reading means in this post.
What is blood pressure?
The pressure of blood in your arteries as it flows around your body is measured by blood pressure. Your blood pressure varies throughout the day. When you exercise, your blood pressure typically rises for a short time.
At the doctor’s office, two measurements are taken while your blood pressure is checked:
- The “top number,” or systolic pressure, is the higher of the two readings. When your heart beats, it forces blood throughout your body.
- The bottom number, known as the diastolic pressure, is measured at 75 mm Hg or less. The pressure at the point where your heart relaxes between beats is called diastolic pressure.
The only way to determine whether your blood pressure is normal, high, or low is to have it evaluated by a doctor. Blood pressure checks can be done at a local pharmacy or your doctor’s office. Many individuals purchase their blood pressure monitor to measure their blood pressure at home.
Having your blood pressure checked
A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure. A stethoscope and arm cuff are still used, but sensors with a digital display are increasingly popular.
The cuff is wrapped around the top of your arm and then inflated to limit blood flow. The pressure in the cuff is gradually relieved, and measurements are taken as your arm’s blood flow returns. The measurement you get is determined by the blood pressure reading. When taking the examination, sit down with your legs uncrossed.
Low blood pressure
We frequently hear about high blood pressure, but some individuals have low blood pressure. Hypotension is a term used to describe this condition. Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including prescription medications, pregnancy, and certain medical diseases.
Symptoms of hypotension include:
- Fainting
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Feeling lightheaded
Normal blood pressure
The normal range for blood pressure is generally 90/60 to 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Any value in this range is said to be optimal blood pressure.
Even if your blood pressure is normal, all people over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is often known as hypertension. Hypertension, as previously stated, can lead to organ and blood vessel damage as well as future health problems like heart attacks. A blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or greater indicates high blood pressure.
A blood pressure of 120/80mmHg to 140/90mmHg is regarded as being “high-normal.” This implies you are at risk of hypertension and should try to shoot for a lower reading to stay healthy.
Lowering blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it is critical to attempt to reduce your blood pressure. This can be achieved through the implementation of healthy lifestyle modifications and the use of drugs to lower blood pressure.
If you’re overweight, quitting smoking and reducing weight are two simple lifestyle adjustments that can help lower your blood pressure. Our online doctor service sells weight-loss medicines to help you reduce weight and exercise while eating a nutritious diet. We also provide Champix or nicotine patches to assist you to quit smoking.