When the heart pumps blood, a specific force is applied that pushes the blood against the walls of the blood capillaries. This exerted force against the walls of the blood capillaries is called blood pressure. Blood pressure is clinically measured by an instrument called the sphygmomanometer. Sphygmomanometer has a pressure cuff that fastens around the arm and fastens gradually to measure blood pressure. As a result of this measurement, two values are obtained. The first is systolic blood pressure, and the second is diastolic blood pressure.                                              The sphygmomanometer measures the blood pressure in units of millimetres of mercury mmHg.

Systolic blood pressure 

This pressure results from the heart’s contraction that causes movement and squeezing of blood through arteries to the rest of the body.

 Normal: Below 120 mmhg

Elevated: 120 to 129 mm hg

Hypertension: 130 to 139 mm hg

Stage 2 hypertension: 140 mm hg or above

Hypertensive crisis: 180 mmhg or above

Classification of blood pressures

Normal blood pressure:

Blood pressure less than 120/80 mm hg is taken as normal. If your pressure value falls under this category, then take a balanced diet with regular exercises to maintain this value.

Elevated blood pressure:

When the systolic reading is 120 to 129 mm hg, and the diastolic reading is below 80 mm hg, it is considered elevated blood pressure. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to adopt high blood pressure diseases. Therefore it is necessary to take precautionary steps to control the condition.

Hypertension stage 1:

When the systolic reading is between 130 to 139 mm hg, and diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 mm hg, then it is referred to as hypertension stage 1. Doctors recommend changing the lifestyle and adding medication to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) like stroke or heart attack.

Hypertension stage 2:

When the blood pressure range is 140/90 mm hg or more, it is considered hypertension stage 2. At this stage, doctors suggest taking a proper diet with some medication.

Hypertensive crisis:

If your blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmhg or above, it is a hypertensive crisis. This stage requires serious medical attention. If the person is experiencing chest pain, numbness, shortness of breath, vision change or difficulty talking, do not wait and concern the doctor.

Whether the systolic or diastolic value is important 

Typically, systolic blood pressure is considered more significant because its elevation causes cardiovascular diseases, especially for people over 50. Mostly, systolic blood pressure rises persistently due to increasing tightness of large arteries, increased incidence of cardiac and vascular conditions, and long-term build-up of plague.

To diagnose high blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures matter. Latest studies revealed that death risks from stroke and heart diseases doubled with every 20mmHg systolic increase in blood pressure among 40 to 89 age groups.

How can you control high blood pressure?

If you are experiencing high blood pressure-like issues, then you can control them in the following ways:

Lose weight:

If overweight, lose body fat to maintain a normal blood pressure value. Excess body weight makes your heart push blood faster and stronger so that each tissue can be perfused. This can contribute to high blood pressure in overweight people. Lean body mass will make it easier for the heart to supply each organ effectively.

Regular exercise:

Studies have shown that aerobic exercise of about 40 minutes for 3 to 4 weeks makes your heart beat faster. It improves your blood circulation. Cardio exercises strengthen your heart muscles so that the heart muscles can better withhold blood pressure.

Intake of sodium chloride (table salt):

Consume less table salt if you suffer from high blood pressure. Sodium being osmotic increases the oncotic plasma pressure. Please consult your doctor, ask him about your daily sodium usage, and follow a balanced diet schedule.

Restrict sugars:

Studies have suggested that sugar intake, especially fructose, can markedly increase blood pressure. Fructose is better metabolized by the human body and makes glucose readily available, which results in hyperglycemia. Reducing the sugar content in your diet can help you control high blood pressure.

 Steps to prevent hypertension:

Modifying your lifestyle is the first strategy to prevent high blood pressure by adopting healthy habits. You should avoid the following things:

Quit smoking:

“Smoking is injurious to health” is the most-hearing tagline worldwide, which is a fact now. Smoking affects multiple organs in your body and brings metabolic changes to the body. The chemicals present in cigarettes can induce inflammation in the blood vessels. The rest of the damage is done by the inflammatory mediators that increase blood pressure.

Avoid junk food:

Almost all fast food has the potential to raise blood pressure by its high salt and carbohydrate content. You should avoid these junk foods for better health.

Less stress, strong heart:

Stress activates the body’s sympathetic responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Studies suggest that people who don’t take much stress have better compliance for di, senses like hypertension. You can reduce your stress by adopting hobbies like book reading, gardening, running etc.

Get a restful sleep:

Restful sleep slows down the metabolism and also heart rate. During sleep, the only vital function of the body is the blood supply to vital organs. It makes less pushing of the vessels resulting in decreased blood pressure. People who cannot get proper sleep are more prone to hypertension and anxiety disorders.

CONCLUSION

People are encouraged to go for pressure checkups to avoid silent attacks. This ensures quick diagnosis in case of pressure attacks. High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.