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By Luis Suarez, MD
The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure as a condition in which the pressure within the blood vessels is elevated. During our regular doctor visits, we see nurses measure our blood pressure and read something like 120/70. But what do these numbers mean?
The top number is the systolic pressure, which represents the pressure of blood against the artery wall when the heart beats. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure, which represents the pressure of blood against the artery wall when the heart is at rest.
Continued elevations can lead to problems such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, and other chronic diseases.
For the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure includes systolic measurements below 120 mmHg and diastolic readings below 80 mmHg.
How can I control my blood pressure?
The best ways to control your blood pressure include measuring it regularly, exercising, eating a low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking or drinking alcohol.
It is very important to consult your doctor regularly about your blood pressure and take medication every day if necessary. If you have any concerns, always consult your primary care physician who can make a better diagnosis and start treatment promptly.
Spanish:
The American College of Cardiology describes hypertension as a condition characterized by increased pressure within blood vessels.
When we go to the doctor for a regular checkup, we can watch the nurse measure our blood pressure and see it come out to be 70 out of 120. But what are these numbers really?
The top number is the systolic pressure, which tells us how hard the blood pushes against the artery walls; that is, when the heart is beating. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure of the blood pushing against the artery walls when the heart is at rest.
Continued elevations can lead to problems such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, and other chronic diseases.
According to the American College of Cardiology, normal blood pressure includes systolic readings below 120 mmHg and diastolic readings below 80 mmHg.
How can I control my blood pressure?
The best tips for managing your blood pressure include measuring it regularly, exercising, eating a low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking or drinking alcohol.
It is important to see your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure and take daily medication if necessary.
If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your primary care physician, who will be able to make a better diagnosis and begin treatment promptly.
Photo: Shutterstock
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