What are the two readings in blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 figures: For example, if
your blood pressure is "140 over 90" or 140/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg. As a general guide: High blood pressure is often related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and not exercising enough. Left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing a number of serious long-term health conditions, such as coronary heart disease and kidney disease. Low blood pressure is less common. Some medicines can cause low blood pressure as a side effect. It can also be caused by a number of underlying conditions, including heart failure and dehydration. Page last reviewed: 17 September 2019 What is normal blood pressure and what is considered high? If your blood pressure is elevated, what can you do to lower it? Asst Prof Calvin Chin, Senior Consultant from the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), answers. Blood pressure (BP) readings: What is normal and when is it high blood pressure (hypertension)?Blood pressure (BP) readings are expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure (the first number or numerator), over the diastolic pressure (the second number or denominator). A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is expressed verbally as 120 over 80. A healthy blood pressure reading should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg in a healthy young woman. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure (hypertension).
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"Your BP (blood pressure) doesn’t stay constant throughout the day. It is lowest when you’re sleeping, and rises when you get up and start moving about. It can also go up when you are excited, nervous or physically active," shares Assistant Professor Calvin Chin, Senior Consultant from the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the SingHealth group. How to measure blood pressure (BP) at homeYou can measure your own blood pressure at home with a digital blood pressure device that can be purchased at most pharmacies. Read the instructions carefully. You may wish to calibrate your reading with your family doctor. The right time to take the measurement is when you are at rest. Some tips that will help ensure the accuracy of your blood pressure reading include:
See the video below to learn how to measure blood pressure at home. What to do if your blood pressure (BP) is high"Most times, you will not have any symptoms unless your blood pressure is very high. If your blood pressures are persistently very high (for instance, systolic blood pressure >180mmHg), you should seek medical attention even if you feel well," advises Asst Prof Chin. Uncontrolled blood pressure in this range can be severe and have adverse consequences such as stroke, loss of consciousness, and damage to kidneys, eyes and the heart. If your blood pressure is mildly elevated, doing the following can help bring it under control:
These important lifestyle changes will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall heart health. Facts about blood pressure readingsWhat is blood pressure (BP)?Blood pressure (BP) refers to the force of the body’s blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. Each time the heart contracts, it pumps blood into the arteries. What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure in the arteries that results when your heart contracts or beats, pushing blood out. When your heart relaxes between beats, blood pressure in the arteries falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic blood pressure can increase with age as a result of stiffening arteries. More facts on blood pressureResearchers from the Centre for Health Research and Rural Advocacy at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania have found that time of day and time of year can influence blood pressure readings by as much as 40%. In addition, blood pressure also fluctuates with physical activity and emotional state, it may help make your results more comparable if you measure your blood pressure at the same time everyday, under resting conditions and on more than one occasion. Ref: M19 Check out other articles on blood pressure: Top Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure 3 Foods to Avoid to Prevent High Blood Pressure 4 Foods to Eat to Bring Down High Blood Pressure 5 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally How High Blood Pressure Affects Men and Women Differently Pre-Hypertension: How to Know If You Have It Exercise the Right Way: Exercise Tips to Lower Blood Pressure Which is more important systolic or diastolic blood pressure?When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.
What are the 2 readings on blood pressure?Blood pressure is recorded with 2 numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body. The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. They're both measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
Which of the two blood pressure readings is the most important?The top number is more important because it gives a better idea of your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Having a raised systolic blood pressure but normal or low diastolic blood pressure is called Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH).
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