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Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
from: Kyle BesserIf you are concerned about your blood pressure, you can easily start monitoring it yourself in your own home. This doesn't mean that you don't need to see a doctor. You will still want to have it checked regularly by your doctor.
If you decide to monitor your blood pressure at home, you need to understand the numbers first. There is a top and bottom number for your blood pressure reading. The top number is your systolic pressure. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in your arteries as your heart is beating. Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart relaxes between each beat. Your blood pressure is considered normal when your systolic pressure is below 120 and your diastolic pressure is below 80. This reading would be120/80.
If your systolic blood pressure is 121 to139 and your diastolic pressure is between 81 and 89, you may have "pre-hypertension." Prehypertension means a person's blood pressure is elevated above normal but not to the level considered to be hypertension (high blood pressure). Weight loss, exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes can often control prehypertension. Without any lifestyle changes, prehypertension is likely to progress to hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Stage 1 hypertension is where your systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 and your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. Stage 2 hypertension is where your systolic pressure is 160 or higher and your diastolic pressure is 100 or higher. If you have readings like this, adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial.
Weight loss, exercise, changes in diet, and other healthy lifestyle changes may be necessary to control your blood pressure. If you smoke, try to quit. Limit your alcohol consumption. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. If you cannot lower your blood pressure on your own, talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have and if you have any questions about your blood pressure.
While you can easily watch your diet and weight and get plenty of exercise to help maintain or lower your blood pressure, that isn't always enough. Blood pressure medication might be prescribed by your doctor to help lower 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
If this happens be sure you tell your doctor of any other medication you are taking. Some medications, including antidepressants, cold medicines, nasal decongestants and even oral contraceptives, can raise your blood pressure. By taking control of your blood pressure, you will have better control of your health and a longer life.
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