What is Blood Pressure?

Understanding Blood Pressure: Readings & Care Tips

Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood against the walls of the arteries while the heart pumps blood throughout the body. It is an important health metric that provides insights about cardiac and overall well-being.

Blood pressure readings fluctuate throughout the day for various reasons. Thus, you must know what it is and how it is measured. Read ahead to understand more about blood pressure readings and their implications.

What do Blood Pressure Readings Mean? 

The blood pressure readings appear as two numbers separated by a / in units of millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), such as 130/90. The numbers at the top and bottom of a blood pressure reading represent the following:

• Systolic pressure: The number above the / (130) describes systolic pressure, which is recorded every time the heart pumps blood (contracts or squeezes) and then relaxes.
• Diastolic pressure: The number below / (90 is the diastolic pressure. It represents the pressure in the artery after the heart relaxes after every heartbeat.

How to Measure Blood Pressure?  

The blood pressure is measured through a sphygmomanometer. If measured manually, the medical professional will follow these steps:

• Step 1: The cuff connected to the gauge will be wrapped around your arm above the elbow.  
• Step 2: Squeeze the ball attached to the gauge to inflate the cuff and secure it around your arm. Applying pressure firmly temporarily halts blood circulation in the brachial artery. At this point, the gauge should show a reading of 200 mm Hg.  
• Step 3: The cuff is deflated by loosening the attached valve, and a stethoscope is used to listen to the blood flowing through the brachial artery. Upon deflation, the gauge needle falls down.
• Step 4: The gauge reading is noted when the pulse starts again. This is recorded as the systolic pressure. The valve is opened to loosen the pressure, so the blood starts flowing again through the brachial artery.
• Step 5: The gauge reading is taken when the cuff deflates and the patient hears blood flowing again through the stethoscope. This is recorded as the diastolic pressure.

You can also use a digital blood pressure monitor to automatically check your blood pressure anytime.  

What do Different Blood Pressure Ranges Represent? 

Oftentimes, 120/80 mm Hg is considered the normal blood pressure reading for most people. However, it can differ depending on their medical background. Here is a guide on blood pressure ranges:

Blood pressure readings less than 90/60 are diagnosed as low blood pressure. It can make you feel dizzy and sometimes negatively impact your health. High blood pressure can lead to potential cardiac complications like a heart attack or stroke.

However, it doesn’t show any notable symptoms. The only way to determine if you have high blood pressure is to consistently check your blood pressure levels.   

What are the Tips to Manage Blood Pressure Levels?

Lifestyle modifications are essential to managing blood pressure levels. However, if you have a persistent high blood pressure profile, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to manage your blood pressure.

Here are a few tips to effectively manage blood pressure levels:

• Avoid smoking completely. Use nicotine gum to fight off addiction effectively.
• Follow a heart-friendly diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Reduce the intake of salt in your meals. Add other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of food.
• Follow a regular exercise routine combining cardio, muscle training, and breathing exercises.
• Reduce alcohol intake to less than ten standard drinks per week, while not exceeding two drinks per day.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. You can achieve this by following a fat-loss diet and regular exercise.

Blood pressure can increase with age, so it is essential to build healthy habits to manage it effectively. This requires a long-term commitment to a multifaceted approach, which can be achieved through a balanced diet, an exercise routine, and stress management techniques.