What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart pumps. It's measured using two numbers:
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Systolic pressure: The top number (when your heart beats)
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Diastolic pressure: The bottom number (when your heart rests)
Understanding the Numbers
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Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
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Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mmHg
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Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
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Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
Risk Factors
- Age (over 65)
- Family history
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High sodium diet
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
Common Symptoms
Note: Many people have no symptoms
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Visual changes
- Dizziness
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Reduce sodium intake
- Limit alcohol
- Quit smoking
Medications
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Complications if Untreated
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
- Cognitive decline
Monitoring
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Keep a blood pressure diary
- Follow up with healthcare provider
- Use proper measuring technique
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- BP exceeds 180/120 mmHg
- Severe chest pain
- Severe headache with confusion
- Difficulty breathing
Prevention Strategies
- Regular exercise (30 minutes daily)
- DASH diet
- Stress management
- Regular health screenings
- Medication compliance