It takes a simple set of tool to have your blood pressure measured, and accurate measurement is also essential. In addition, blood pressure also fluctuates with physical activity and emotional state, it may help make your results more comparable if you measure your blood pressure at the same time everyday, under resting conditions and on more than one occasion.Blood pressure is an important indicator of your overall health.
Researchers from the Centre for Health Research and Rural Advocacy at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania have found that time of day and time of year can influence blood pressure readings by as much as 40%. Diastolic blood pressure can increase with age as a result of stiffening arteries. When your heart relaxes between beats, blood pressure in the arteries falls. Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure in the arteries that results when your heart contracts or beats, pushing blood out. What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure? Each time the heart contracts, it pumps blood into the arteries. Facts about blood pressure readingsīlood pressure (BP) refers to the force of the body’s blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. These important lifestyle changes will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall heart health. Limit alcohol consumption (one standard drink per day)
If your blood pressure is mildly elevated, doing the following can help bring it under control:Įxercise regularly (aim for 150mins of moderate to vigorous activity a week or 30mins daily) Stroke, loss of consciousness, and damage to kidneys, eyes and the heart. Uncontrolled blood pressure in this range can be severe and have adverse consequences such as If your blood pressures are persistently very high (for instance, systolic blood pressure >180mmHg), you should seek medical attentionĮven if you feel well," advises Asst Prof Chin. "Most times, you will not have any symptoms unless your blood pressure is very high. What to do if your blood pressure (BP) is high
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See the video below to learn how to measure blood pressure at home. Wrapping the cuff of the monitor smoothly and snugly around the upper part of your bare arm.Placing your left arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table or desk, and sit still.Some tips that will help ensure the accuracy of your blood pressure reading include: The right time to take the measurement is when you are at rest. You may wish to calibrate your reading with your family doctor. You can measure your own blood pressure at home with a digital blood pressure device that can be purchased at most pharmacies. How to measure blood pressure (BP) at home National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the It can also go up when you are excited, nervous or physically active," sharesĪssistant Professor Calvin Chin, Senior Consultant from the It is lowest when you’re sleeping, and rises when you get up and start moving about. "Your BP (blood pressure) doesn’t stay constant throughout the day. *Isolated systolic hypertension is graded according to the same level of systolic BP.For example, 160/80 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure). When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level.Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg in a healthy young woman.Ī blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure ( hypertension). A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is expressed verbally as 120 over 80.Ī healthy blood pressure reading should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure (BP) readings: What is normal and when is it high blood pressure (hypertension)?īlood pressure (BP) readings are expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure (the first number or numerator), over the diastolic pressure (the second number or denominator).