What do the readings on your blood pressure mean? Having your blood pressure chart checked is the only method to determine whether you have high blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension. Controlling high blood pressure requires an understanding of your findings.
Ranges Of Normal And Abnormal Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure Classifications
The American Heart Association recognises the following five blood pressure ranges:
Normal
Less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury) is regarded to be within the normal range for blood pressure. If your outcomes fall within this group, keep up heart-healthy routines like eating a balanced diet and exercising often.
Elevated
When readings are regularly between 120 and 129 systolic and fewer than 80 mm Hg diastolic, the blood pressure is considered to be elevated. Unless action is done to manage the condition, those with raised blood pressure are prone to develop high blood pressure.
Stage 1 Hypertension
Blood pressure chart that continuously falls between 80 and 89 mm Hg diastolic or 130 to 139 systolic is referred to as Stage 1 hypertension. Based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, such as a heart attack or stroke, health care specialists are likely to recommend lifestyle modifications at this stage of high blood pressure and may also consider adding blood pressure medication.
Stage 2 Hypertension
Blood pressure that is continuously 140/90 mm Hg or greater is considered to be in Stage 2 hypertension. Health care practitioners are likely to recommend a mix of blood pressure drugs and lifestyle adjustments at this stage of high blood pressure.
Hypertensive Emergency
Medical intervention is necessary for high blood pressure at this point. If your readings suddenly go beyond 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes before taking another measurement. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your results are still excessively high. You could be going through a hypertensive emergency.
Do not wait to see whether your blood pressure decreases on its own if it is greater than 180/120 mm Hg or if you are exhibiting symptoms of probable organ damage, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, changes in vision, or trouble speaking. Call 911.
Your Blood Pressure Readings And Their Meaning
Two numbers are used to represent your blood pressure:
Systolic blood pressure (the first number) measures the force your blood applies to the artery walls while your heart beats.
The second figure, your diastolic blood pressure, tells you how much force your blood is applying to the walls of your arteries between heartbeats.
Which Figure Is More Significant?
Systolic blood pressure chart, or the first number, is often given greater consideration as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults over 50. Systolic blood pressure typically increases gradually with age in most persons owing to the stiffening of big arteries, the accumulation of plaque over time, and the development in cardiac and vascular illness.
However, a diagnosis of high blood pressure may be made using either an increased systolic or higher diastolic blood pressure value.