From High to Low: Navigating Blood Pressure Ranges

A blood pressure chart helps us figure out whether our blood pressure levels are within a healthy range or we need to take measures to improve the numbers. The total reading of blood pressure gets determined by measuring diastolic and systolic blood pressures.The top number denotes systolic blood pressure, which measures the force our heart exerts on the arterial walls with each beat. The bottom number is for diastolic blood pressure, which measures the force exerted by our heart on the arterial walls in between beats.

Studies suggest the risk of fatal ischemic heart disease with every twenty mm Hg systolic or ten mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age forty to ninety.

What Are The Healthy & Unhealthy Blood Pressure Ranges?

Given below is a detailed view of unhealthy and healthy blood pressure ranges, as per the American Heart Association.

Normal:

Blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm HG is considered within the normal range. If the results are within this category, we should continue with our healthy habits of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and reduced salt intake.

Elevated:

Our blood pressure is considered elevated when the readings are consistently less than 80 mm Hg diastolic and 120-129 systolic. People suffering from elevated blood pressure tend to develop hypertension unless preventive steps are taken beforehand.

Hypertension Stage 1:

When our blood pressure ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic, we are in hypertension stage 1. At this stage, our doctor is likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and might add blood pressure medication depending on our risk of ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), such as stroke or heart attack.

Hypertension Stage 2:

When blood pressure consistently ranges from 140/90 mm Hg or higher, we are in hypertension stage 2. If we are in this stage of hypertension, our doctor is likely to prescribe a combination of lifestyle changes and blood pressure medications.

Hypertensive Crisis:

At this stage of high blood pressure, we will need immediate medical attention. If the blood pressure readings suddenly go over 180/120 mm Hg, wait for five minutes and test the blood pressure once more. If the readings remain unusually high, we must get in touch with the doctor right away. We might be facing a hypertensive crisis.

How to Keep Our Blood Pressure from Rising?

In case you do have hypertension, it’s essential to chart out a BP management plan that includes medication, lifestyle change, diet, exercise, and stress management.

• Adhere to your medicines, consult your doctor

  One of the foremost steps to take for keeping your blood pressure under control is to monitor it regularly through checkups with your doctor. The other important step is to adhere to the prescribed medicines. People often stop taking their medicines when they start feeling normal. However, this feeling is temporary, and the symptoms might kick in again with more impact. It’s therefore essential to meticulously take your medications as per the doctor’s prescription.

• Find Ways To Control Stress:

  We need to get enough sleep because that affects our physical health, energy level, mental alertness, and mood. Trying deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation as stress busters is also an excellent idea.

• Go For Daily Exercise:

  It is okay if we do not have the time to go for an intense workout in a gym. Going for brisk walking for thirty to sixty minutes every day according to our level of comfort is wise. Alternatively, indulging in a sport helps as well. Remember that you have to maintain an active lifestyle to keep the BP in control.

• Follow A Healthy Diet

  Studies suggest that diet plans like DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) can help in reducing blood pressure. However, rather than trying something without understanding, it’s best to consult an expert nutritionist and start following a healthy diet for blood pressure control.

  Hypertension is essentially called a lifestyle disease. So even if you do get it through genetics or any other unexpected reason, you can effectively control it through an active lifestyle and a positive mind. You can read all about how to maintain both of these at www.bpincontrol.in.

Note of Caution: This article is for information purpose only. Always consult your doctor in case of any blood pressure or other health-related problems.