When was the last time your blood pressure was measured? Given that blood pressure checks are a standard component of appointments with our doctors, for many of us, it happened very recently. But do you understand what your blood pressure readings indicate? Are you aware of the impact blood pressure has on your health?

Guidelines and Definition of Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood as it circulates throughout your body. Systolic blood pressure is measured instead of diastolic blood pressure while measuring blood pressure. While diastolic blood pressure shows how much pressure your blood is applying to your artery walls while your heart is at rest, systolic blood pressure shows how much pressure your blood is applying to them when your heart beats. A systolic and diastolic value of less than 120 and 80 mmHg, respectively, is considered to be normal blood pressure.

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It is possible to control hypertension, or high blood pressure. Even though the illness seldom results in symptoms, routine screening can help a person determine whether preventive steps are required. About 45% of American adults are thought to have excessive blood pressure, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The causes of high blood pressure and treatments are discussed in this article. We also discuss the blood pressure readings that medical professionals regard to be normal or excessive.

Blood is pumped throughout the body by a muscle called the heart. The blood carries oxygen to the body’s essential organs as it circulates. The heart’s ability to pump blood is occasionally hampered by a health issue. If an artery gets too thin, for instance, this might happen. The arteries’ walls and might become stressed from persistently high blood pressure. Multiple health issues, some of which may be fatal, may result from this.

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Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

You might not even be aware that you have high blood pressure, which is one of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension. In actuality, about one-third of people with high blood pressure are unaware of it. This is due to the fact that elevated blood pressure rarely causes symptoms unless it is very severe. Regular checkups are the best way to determine if your blood pressure is high. You can check your blood pressure at home as well. If you have a close relative who suffers from high blood pressure, this is very crucial.
There may be specific signs to watch out for if your blood pressure is really high, such as:

Heavy headache
Nosebleed
Drowsiness or confusion
Issues with vision
An ache in the chest
Breathing challenge
Unsteady heartbeat
Urine containing blood
Your ears, neck, or chest are pounding

Sometime people believe that other symptoms, which may or may not be unrelated to high blood pressure, are present:

Dizziness
Nervousness
Sweating
Sleeping issue
Skin flushing
Eyes with stains of blood

A doctor should be seen right away if you experience any of these signs. A heart attack or stroke could result from a hypertensive crisis you may be experiencing. There’s a chance you also have another major medical issue. Usually, high blood pressure does not result in headaches or nosebleeds. However, when blood pressure is above 180/120, this can occur during a hypertensive crisis. If you have these symptoms and have severely high blood pressure, take a five-minute break and recheck. A medical emergency exists if your blood pressure remains abnormally high.

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Remedies to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Increase your activities and your workout.

Aerobic and weight training, especially for males, may considerably lower blood pressure, according to a meta-analysis of 65 research (4Trusted Source). In a 2013 study, sedentary older individuals who engaged in aerobic exercise training had an average 3.9 percent systolic and 4.5 percent diastolic reduction in blood pressure. These outcomes match those of several blood pressure drugs.

If you are obese, lose weight.

Losing 5 to 10 pounds if you are overweight can lower your blood pressure. You’ll also be less likely to experience other potential health issues. According to a study of multiple research, blood pressure was decreased by an average of 3.2 mmHg diastolic and 4.5 mmHg systolic on weight loss programs.

Avoid sugar and other processed carbs.

Numerous studies have shown that limiting sugar and processed carbohydrates can aid in weight loss and blood pressure reduction. According to a 2014 research, sugar, especially fructose, may raise blood pressure more than salt. Sugar elevated blood pressure by 6.9 mmHg systolic and 5.6 mmHg diastolic in studies that lasted at least 8 weeks.

Consume a lot of potassium and less sodium.

You can also lower your blood pressure by eating more potassium and less sodium (15). Potassium has two benefits: it lowers the impact of salt on your body and reduces blood vessel tightness. However, before consuming more potassium, consult your doctor as high-potassium diets may be detrimental to those who have kidney illness.

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