When visiting the doctor, whether it is because you kicked your toe, you have the flu, or you are just going for a check-up, it is a good idea that they always check your blood pressure. This helps the doctor to monitor you closely and then they can detect and prevent certain illnesses like hypertension or heart disease.
What is blood pressure?
It is the pressure that your blood puts on your arteries. The heart pressure can influence this at the rate at which your heart pumps and the elasticity of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in a machine which measures your systolic and diastolic pressure numbers.
Systolic numbers
When your heart beats, the blood in your circulatory system puts pressure against your arterial walls. This pressure refers to your systolic blood pressure reading. Below 120 is a normal reading and above 140 could mean that you have hypertension.
Diastolic
Diastolic readings are the moments your heart rests between beats and reduces pressure to your arterial walls. This is when your heart fills with blood, getting ready to pump again. A normal reading is lower than 80.
High blood pressure is known as hypertension. This can be due to the following factors:
A family history of hypertension, Older age, Obesity, A diet high in sodium or salt, High alcohol consumption, A sedentary lifestyle (not exercising enough), A lack of foods containing magnesium, potassium, and calcium and A fast-paced or stressful lifestyle
There is no clear symptom with hypertension but if you don’t feel well, make sure to visit your local GP and to take note of your Blood Pressure.
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