What Is Normal Blood Pressure?
What is normal blood pressure? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute define blood pressure (BP) as the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. BP changes throughout the day and as the day progresses, BP usually heightens. High blood pressure, called HBP or “hypertension,” is a condition marked by subtle symptoms that can silently wreak havoc within internal organs.
Using a sphygmomanometer, blood pressure is determined by the systolic and diastolic numbers and only takes only a quick moment to read. The systolic pressure measures the number in the arteries as the heart beats. The diastolic pressure measures the number in the arteries as the heart relaxes. What is normal blood pressure? Doctors agree that a normal blood pressure reads 120/80 or lower and anything over 140/90 is considered high.
What Is High Blood Pressure and Low Blood Pressure?
What is high blood pressure? If you could imagine squeezing a water balloon with all your might until it burst, you’ll get an idea of what high blood pressure, also called hypertension, can do to the brain, heart, kidneys and other organs.
Although you most often hear about high blood pressure, low blood pressure can also be a problem. Low blood pressure or LBP is also an issue of concern because its symptoms can be as difficult to detect. Like hypertension, LBP has silent symptoms. If dizziness and fainting occur or if the BP is lower than 90/60, then LBP is a health concern that should be evaluated.
Risks of High Blood Pressure
If you have seen a doctor for HBP, you’ve heard it said that the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure is increased in patients who are not treated promptly. Hypertension is a condition that can be easily managed. Most patients can manage hypertension with an improved lifestyle and a reduction of sodium intake. Sometimes medications are needed, so consult with your doctor about a unique treatment plan that is best for you. Just remember that high blood pressure places you in a precarious position until you seek treatment.
What Causes HBP?
According to Elsevier’s Handbook of Hypertension, hypertension is the result of genetics, age, diabetes, obesity, and indirectly as a result of diet and a lack of exercise. Over the turn of the century, blood pressure has increasingly become a subject of great concern as new discoveries about the conditions associated with it are revealed within the medical profession.
In an era where everything depends on speed and convenience, it is no wonder that so many people are suffering with HBP. Stress, caffeine, tobacco use, sleep apnea, adrenal tumors, night employment, certain meds, hormones, genetic factors, even body temperature and disease are just some issues that could interfere with a normal BP.
As a general rule, when the heart rate rises, BP rises. When it drops, the BP also drops. Besides genetic factors, stress is by far one of the main culprits that contribute to HBP. It is an unhealthy aspect of living that has been adopted in the average person’s lifestyle. It is the not always recognized as an element that causes health problems. It is a companion to the ‘silent killer.’
What Keeps the BP Normal?
Keeping your BP normal requires you to actively participate in changing unhealthy habits into healthy patterns. Managing your BP starts with an understanding of what causes it to rise [or fall]. Experts have noted that decreasing sodium, increasing the intake of raw, fresh vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation, and including exercise into your daily routine all contribute to BP management. Education, knowledge, and application are by far the most effective treatment in controlling BP, even better than the best medications.
So what is normal blood pressure? When the elements of genetics, age, weight, and culture are considered, a healthy BP reading can more accurately be determined. Typically, for a healthy adult, blood pressure can be as low as 90/60 or as high as 138/89 and still be normal.