Feb 14, 2025
Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get it checked and know your numbers.
1). What do your blood pressure numbers mean?
The systolic blood pressure (top number) tells us the pressure as blood is pumped out of the heart and into the arteries. The diastolic pressure (bottom number) tells us the pressure when the heart is relaxed and filling between heart beats. High systolic or diastolic readings are used to determine a diagnosis for high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). As people get older, their systolic blood pressure tends to go up due to large arteries that become stiffer, more plaque buildup over time in the arteries, and higher rates of heart and blood vessel diseases. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems including heart attack or stroke. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have high blood pressure and maintaining optimal pressures can help prevent major health problems.
2). What is normal blood pressure?
According to the American Heart Association, your blood pressure is considered normal if your top or systolic number is less than 120 and if your lower or diastolic number is less than 80. If your blood pressure is in normal range, make sure to stick with heart-healthy habits such as following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to help maintain these levels.
3). What qualifies as elevated and high blood pressures?
Elevated blood pressure is when your systolic number is between 120 to 129, while your diastolic number is less than 80. Hypertension stage one is classified as a systolic pressure between 130-139 OR diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 and lastly, hypertension stage 2 is a systolic number of 140 or higher and the diastolic number of 90 or higher.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
