Understanding blood pressure:what you need to know
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Blood pressure |
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) measures the force of blood in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure (the lower number) measures the force of blood in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be 120/80 mm Hg or lower. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, as it often has no symptoms.
There are several lifestyle changes that can help to lower your blood pressure, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption can also help to lower your blood pressure.
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to bring your blood pressure to a healthy level, your doctor may prescribe medication to help control it. There are several different types of blood pressure medications, including diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
In summary, blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and make lifestyle changes to keep it under control. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure.
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