Blood Pressure

Dealing with high and low blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, for example: 120/80. The larger number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart squeezes out blood during each beat. It is called systolic blood pressure. The lower number indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes before the next heartbeat. This is diastolic blood pressure. Blood does not circulate in an even stream around the body, but travels in a constant series of spurts. Therefore the pressure peaks in the vessels just after a heartbeat, and ebbs until the next one.

Blood Pressure Range

There are no hard figures that represent a normal blood pressure range. However, it is usually agreed that somewhere between 110/70 and 125/80 is considered to be the average blood pressure for an adult. Someone with naturally low blood pressure may be closer to 100/60. A blood pressure of 140/90 is considered high, although as a person gets older, this falls into the normal range. High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder, putting a person at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney and eye problems. Blood pressure higher than 180/110 is too high and dangerous. There are no symptoms to identify high blood pressure, so many people are unaware they have it.

Treatment

High blood pressure is best treated with changes in lifestyle. Weight loss will reduce blood pressure levels. Diet should be altered to reduce salt intake, saturated fat intake and alcohol, and to increase intake of oily fish or fish oil capsules, fresh fruit and vegetables. Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week can significantly lower blood pressure as well.

If you are age 50 or older, you need to know the facts about high blood pressure, as it is a very common disorder that increases the risks of stroke and other heart ailments. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is extremely important in living a long, healthy life.