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Why Is Blood Pressure Important

What Is High Blood Pressure

Why measuring blood pressure correctly is important

In most cases a person is considered to have high blood pressure if their readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg. There is no firm rule that defines when blood pressure is too high for a particular person, but for most people the lower the better.

Your health professional will determine your ideal blood pressure goal based on your individual circumstances .

National Heart Foundation guide to blood pressure ranges

  • Normal: generally less than 120/80 mmHg .
  • Normal to high: between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg.
  • High: 140/90 mmHg or higher.
  • Very high: 180/110 mmHg or higher.

Your health professional will most likely measure your blood pressure several times on different occasions to confirm whether or not you have high blood pressure.

Is low blood pressure a problem?

Low blood pressure is usually only a problem if it causes symptoms or results in adverse effects. A relatively low blood pressure may be of no concern in fit, healthy people.

If you experience symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness and fainting, you should talk to your health professional.

Knowing Why Does Blood Pressure Increase With Exercise

So far we have understood how exercise affects blood pressure. But its time to find out why does blood pressure increase with exercise. Our muscles require a bit of extra oxygen when we do exercises. This requirement is more than what we need while lying on a bed. So, this process leads us to breathe much faster than we do in regular life.

All this excites our heart to pump a little harder and quicker to flow the blood to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Consequently, systolic blood pressure increases. This may also be the reason why does your blood pressure increase during exercise.

What Are The Functions Of Blood Pressure

The primary function of blood pressure is to move blood around the body through the circulatory system. Our blood is full of oxygen and nutrients that feed the bodys tissues and organs. Blood pressure also transports immune cells, called white blood cells, to areas of the body in need.

In addition to acting as a delivery service, blood pressure also functions as a purifier when fresh blood is carried away from the heart, it can pick up waste products and toxins from the bodys tissues and organs.

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Can You Get Low Blood Pressure After A Workout

People whose blood pressure is usually elevated or normal may experience a decrease in blood pressure. This can happen right after exercising. If we know why does blood pressure change during exercise, it may help us prevent some risks.

We should know that it is never easy to identify if we have low blood pressure after doing exercise. But some symptoms can help us determine if we experience low blood pressure. So, here are some signs we may experience:

Unusual tirednessA little extra blurry visionLightheadedness/faintnessHaving pale skinSymptoms of cold

If you experience any of these signs, make sure you will visit your doctor instantly. Your medics may give better recommendations about the same issue. So, dont be in a rush and take your time to start doing exercises.

Blood Pressure Actions You Must Take

Why Is Monitoring Of Blood Pressure Important?

You must recognize that a BP deviation is an alarm calling you to action.

And, you should have and take control of the important ability to monitor your BP oneself.

Note that your body is very smart and is striving to obtain an abnormally high or low BP for a reason.

And, understand that the body is fighting in its best interest to overcome the disease or condition problem by adjusting its BP.

So it is important to address especially high BP and also find the cause that is affecting the abnormal BP and address it.

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What Diet Helps Control High Blood Pressure

  • Eat foods that are lower in fat, salt and calories, such as skim or 1% milk, fresh vegetables and fruits, and whole-grain rice and pasta.
  • Use flavorings, spices and herbs to make foods tasty without using salt. The optimal recommendation for salt in your diet is to have less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day. Don’t forget that most restaurant foods and many processed and frozen foods contain high levels of salt. Use herbs and spices that do not contain salt in recipes to flavor your food. Dont add salt at the table.
  • Avoid or cut down on foods high in fat or salt, such as butter and margarine, regular salad dressings, fatty meats, whole milk dairy products, fried foods, processed foods or fast foods and salted snacks.
  • Ask your provider if you should increase potassium in your diet. Discuss the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet with your provider. The DASH diet emphasizes adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet while reducing the amount of sodium. Since its rich in fruits and vegetables, which are naturally lower in sodium than many other foods, the DASH diet makes it easier to eat less salt and sodium.

What Is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measurements are typically displayed as a ratio, such as 120/80. Systolic BP is the peak pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps. Diastolic BP is the minimum pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. The well-known standard for blood pressure is keeping it below 140/90.

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What Are Common Symptoms Of Hypertension

Hypertension is called a “silent killer”. Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.

When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless. Although individuals can measure their own blood pressure using automated devices, an evaluation by a health professional is important for assessment of risk and associated conditions.

How Can I Measure My Blood Pressure At Home

How to Measure Blood Pressure

Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure monitoring.

SMBP means you regularly use a personal blood pressure measurement device away from a doctors office or hospitalusually at home. These blood pressure monitors are easy and safe to use. A health care team member can show you how to use one if you need help.

Evidence shows that people with high blood pressure are more likely to lower their blood pressure if they use SMBP combined with support from their health care team than if they dont use SMBP.3

Use these additional tips for SMBP:4

  • Use a blood pressure log pdf icon to record your blood pressure measurements.
  • Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
  • Take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart.

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What Is Normal Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading is written like this: 120/80. It’s read as “120 over 80.” The top number is called the systolic, and bottom number is called the diastolic. The ranges are:

  • Normal: Less than 120 over 80
  • Elevated: 120-129/less than 80
  • Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139/80-89
  • Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 and above/90 and above
  • Hypertension crisis: higher than 180/higher than 120 — See a doctor right away

If your blood pressure is above the normal range, talk to your doctor about how to lower it.

The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is one of the most important health measurements. By monitoring it, you can get a good idea of the overall health of your body. And changes over time in your measurements are a good indication of certain diseases and problems.

High blood pressure can cause several serious diseases and health issues including:

  • Weakening of the artery walls, leading to aneurysm.
  • Kidney disease.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure is often symptomless. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. But most of the time, it doesnt cause any symptoms at all. Thats why its so important that you monitor this health measurement over time.

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Tips For A Better Reading

Naturally, there are several factors that could interfere with a blood pressure reading. To get the most accurate results possible, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Avoid any physical exercise before taking your blood pressure. When you exercise, your heart will beat a lot faster, elevating your blood pressure. This will cause a high reading, which might not reveal your normal blood pressure.
  • If your results are above the normal threshold, repeat the reading in a couple of minutes.
  • Your state of mind can also affect your blood pressure. For an accurate reading, you should feel relaxed, avoid stress, anxiety, and a state of nervousness.
  • Never place the inflatable cuff on a piece of clothing. The best results are shown when the cuff is placed directly on the skin.
  • Smoking and drinking can also affect your blood pressure, as they are factors that normally trigger hypertension. Try to avoid them before taking your blood pressure. Extra tip: its best if you take your blood pressure in the morning, when your body is most relaxed.
  • Visit the bathroom before taking your blood pressure, as a full bladder can interfere with a correct reading.
  • Adopt the correct posture. Aside from having your hand on the table and your palm facing the ceiling, also make sure that your feet lie flat on the floor, and your back is straight.

What Questions Should I Ask My Provider

Important for high blood pressure: the second blood ...
  • Are there supplements or non-prescription medicines that I shouldnt take?
  • Can I keep taking these medicines if I get pregnant?
  • What kinds of exercise should I do?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you dont treat high blood pressure, it can put you at risk for developing serious illnesses later in life such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. But if you follow your providers instructions, you can control your blood pressure. Be sure to take any medicines your provider ordered as instructed. Keep taking them even if your blood pressure numbers begin to fall into the normal range. Living a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, watching your weight and getting regular exercise is also a great way to help control your blood pressure.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/21/2021.

References

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Automated Vs Manual Blood Pressure Readings: The Importance Of Hypertension Home Monitoring

Blood pressure is one of the four vital signs that can indicate a persons current health state. When the blood pressure reading is accurate, it can provide information on how blood circulated through the arteries. High blood pressure intervals could indicate hypertension, so its always best to measure your blood pressure at least twice before jumping to any conclusions, especially if the results are high.

Get Regular Blood Pressure Checks

If your blood pressure is in the healthy range and you have no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and no personal or family history of high blood pressure, it is still important to have a check at least every two years. Your doctor can also check your blood pressure during routine visits.

If your blood pressure is highnormal , or if you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack, it is best to have it checked more frequently such as every 6 to 12 months or as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor for advice.

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How Normal Is Low Or High Blood Pressure After A Workout

Some of us may be eager to know what blood pressure is normal after the workout. Do you have the same thing in mind? So, it is very important to go through this concept as well. There are mainly two types of blood pressure readings. First diastolic blood pressure and second systolic blood pressure!

Medics usually write down the systolic blood pressure before writing the diastolic blood pressure. A reading less than 120 is normal for your systolic blood pressure. A reading of less than 80 is normal for diastolic blood pressure. Our age can be a critical factor that may lead our blood pressure to rise. So, we should always consult our medics before starting doing exercises. Thus, now we have cleared out why blood pressure rises during exercise.

How Common Is Hypertension

Why Blood Pressure Monitoring is Important — Dina Piersawl’s Story

About 1 in 3 Americans are affected by hypertension but many are unaware. Therefore, it is very important to have physicals done annually by a certified physician in order to make sure your blood pressure is within the normal limits. If your blood pressure is high it is important to discuss with your doctor about how to address it. The doctor may prescribe you medication, or may suggest that you change your diet and amount of daily exercise. Smoking cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol can increase blood pressure. As such, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking or drinking by providing resources for you.

The National Heart, Blood and Lung and Blood Institute recommends following the D.A.S.H. eating plan in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure. D.A.S.H. is an acronym that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. D.A.S.H. is not a diet but rather a lifestyle. D.A.S.H. is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create long term healthy eating habits.The D.A.S.H. eating plan does not require any special foods but provides nutritional goals and makes recommendations about which types of foods to eat on a daily basis. The D.A.S.H. eating plan is not just for people who have been diagnosed with hypertension, but for anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle and maintain a healthy blood pressure. You can refer to the D.A.S.H. plan by clicking here.

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How Is Blood Pressure Measured And Diagnosed

Your blood pressure is measured using a machine called a sphygmomanometer. It will usually have an inflatable rubber cuff that goes around the top half of your arm and is connected to a measuring unit.

For manual sphygmomanometers, a small handheld air pump inflates the cuff. This is done by a machine for automated sphygmomanometers. Once its fully inflated, an air valve slowly releases the pressure in the cuff.

This creates a reading with two numbers that are written down with one number on top of the other e.g. 120/80 mm Hg.

  • The top number is your systolic blood pressure
  • The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure .
  • Key Importance Of Blood Pressure:

    When on The Ketogenic Diet or otherwise, you should have a good understanding of why is Blood Pressure important and its strong relationship to your overall Longevity.

    Your Blood Pressure is very important in relation to your longevity outlook.

    It is also an important disease alarm signaling tool.

    This is due to its ability to point out the presence of an underlying disease or unhealthy condition.

    Furthermore, when your Blood Pressure reading is high or low it can, by itself, cause bodily damage and become in itself dangerous to your health and longevity.

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    How To Check Blood Pressure And What Do Readings Mean

    Blood pressure is measured by using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer or a blood pressure monitor. A sphygmomanometer has an inflatable cuff that is placed around the arm.

    A blood pressure reading has two numbers: one on top of the other . The top number is called the systolic pressure reading and is the pressure exerted from the heart when it pumps through the arteries. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure reading and is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting in between beats.

    How To Keep A Healthy Blood Pressure Level

    Why accurate blood pressure is important

    If your blood pressure is in the normal range, you wont need any medical intervention however, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight to prevent hypertension from developing. You may need to be even more cautious about your lifestyle if hypertension runs in your family.

    The following recommendations can help you maintain healthy blood pressure:

    • Keep a healthy body weight.
    • Stick with a regular diet of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
    • Cut down on sodium intake.
    • Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, running or swimming, for at least half 90 to 150 minutes per week.
    • Keep alcohol intake to no more than one to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

    Do you need your blood pressure checked? Our family medicine physicians can help. If you are in the Los Angeles area, request an appointment or call l USC-CARE .

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    What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure

    Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and feel quite well. This is why its important to see your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

    A few people with very high blood pressure may experience headache, dizziness or the sudden effects of diseases of the arteries such as chest pain or stroke.

    Check your symptoms with healthdirects online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

    What Is The Correct Way To Measure Blood Pressure

    Learn the correct way to have your blood pressure taken, whether youre getting it checked at the doctors office or checking it yourself at home. Use this checklist:

    • Dont eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
    • Empty your bladder before your reading.
    • Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
    • Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
    • Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.
    • Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing.
    • Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.

    If you are keeping track of your blood pressure at home, use these additional tips.

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