The force exerted by blood against the walls of your arteries is called blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement is a test that determines the force (pressure) in your arteries during your heartbeats. The normal blood pressure numbers for a healthy individual should be 120/80 mmHg. However, your blood pressure may naturally rise and fall throughout the day.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
● Systolic Blood Pressure
This is the first number that indicates the amount of pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls when your heartbeats.
● Diastolic Blood Pressure
This is the second number which indicates the amount of pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls while the heart is at rest between beats.
If the reading is 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you'd say "120 over 80" or write "120/80 mmHg."
In general, systolic blood pressure (the first number) is regarded as a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age in most persons due to increased stiffness of big arteries, long-term plaque deposition, and increased cardiac and vascular disease prevalence.
Blood pressure is categorized into five levels as recognized by the American Heart Association. They are:
● Normal
Blood pressure readings of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. If your findings fall into this group, keep to heart-healthy practices like eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.
● Elevated
Elevated blood pressure is defined as values that are regularly between 120 and 129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Those with elevated blood pressure are more likely to acquire high blood pressure unless they take action to regulate the condition.
● Hypertension 1
Stage 1 hypertension occurs when blood pressure continuously varies between 130 and 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 and 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of hypertension, doctors will likely recommend lifestyle adjustments and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), such as a heart attack or stroke.
● Hypertension 2
Stage 2 hypertension occurs when blood pressure continuously varies between 140/90 mm Hg and above. Doctors are likely to give a mix of blood pressure drugs and lifestyle adjustments at this stage of high blood pressure.
● Hypertensive Crisis
This stage of hypertension needs medical treatment. If your blood pressure suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes before testing again. If your results remain abnormally high, call your doctor right away. You might be in the midst of a hypertensive crisis.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is defined as blood pressure that is higher than normal. While your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day as a result of your activities, having blood pressure readings that are consistently higher than normal may lead to a diagnosis of hypertension. Also, the higher your blood pressure, the more likely you are to develop additional health issues such as heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.
The Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
There are no usual warning signs or symptoms of hypertension. You need to measure your blood pressure to know whether you have high blood pressure or not.
High blood pressure or hypertension can happen over time. It might occur due to the following reasons:
You can lower your blood pressure into a healthy range or keep it in check by making certain lifestyle changes and monitoring your blood pressure level from time to time.
Here are some of the preventive measures for hypertension:
Learn to manage your high blood pressure in a healthier way and never skip your follow-up visits to your doctor. If you are searching for hypertension doctors in Indianapolis, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Kidney Physicians of Indiana is one of the best kidney and hypertension clinics in the Hoosier state. Our team of board-certified doctors are committed to taking full care of you and your loved ones.
