Everybody has, and needs, blood pressure (BP).
A certain amount of blood pressure is vital to keep blood flowing through the arteries, delivering energy and oxygen to all parts of the body.
It is only harmful if it becomes too high, usually as a result of the arteries losing their elasticity.
As the heart beats, blood is pumped into the arteries and a pressure is created, which causes blood to circulate through the body.
Two figures are recorded when your blood pressure is measured, for example 120/60 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats.
The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure whilst your heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure Recommendations Systolic and diastolic pressures usually determine blood pressure classification.
There is much discussion about what constitutes 'normal' blood pressure, but data below shows the most recent recommendations.
For optimal BP, systolic pressure recommendation should be below 120 mmHg whilst diastolic pressure should be below 80 mmHg.
For normal BP, the systolic measurement should be less than 130 mmHg and diastolic measurement should be less than 85 mmHg.
If systolic pressure more than 130-139 mmHg and diastolic pressure exceeds 85-89 mmHg, it is classified as hypertension.
High normal is the highest 'normal' value before it becomes abnormal.
Your blood pressure can change from minute to minute because of changes in posture, exercise, during sleep and particularly when you are anxious, and therefore several readings should be taken over a period of time, before a conclusion is made.
Normal blood pressure should be less than 140/90 mmHg.
If you have heart disease, it should be less than 140/85 mmHg and even lower if you have diabetes or kidney disease because of the higher risk of heart disease associated with these conditions.
High Blood Pressure or Hypertension You have hypertension if your blood pressure constantly measures above 140/90 mmHg.
This adds to the workload of your heart and arteries.
The heart must therefore work harder than normal and this may cause it to enlarge.
As you grow older your arteries will harden and become less elastic and hypertension speeds up this process.
It is essential to treat and control hypertension in its earliest stages to prevent damage to critical organs caused by hypertension.
Health risks associated with hypertension include heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, aneurysm, renal failure and other health problems.
How to Reduce Hypertension? Hypertension can be controlled by a combination of lifestyles changes such as healthy eating, physical activity and medication.
A heart healthy dietary pattern embracing DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), reducing sodium, sugary, fried, preserved, fatty and refined foods, shunning alcohol and caffeine intake, try relaxation techniques to manage stress and maintaining a healthy weight have all been shown to reduce blood pressure.