Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
In our world, we seem to be surrounded by numbers-telephone numbers, Social Security numbers and even the latest balance on our charge cards. While our minds have to process all these figures, there is one set of numbers that you should know as well as the digits in your birthday. By knowing and understand the numbers that make up your blood pressure reading, you can take better control of your health and decrease your risk for some serious medical problems.
Your Blood Pressure Reading - Made Simple
Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers, with each figure representing an important action in your circulatory system. A quick definition of a blood pressure reading is a measurement of the force of the blood as it travels through the arteries. As the heart pumps the blood, the blood flows with a certain force against the arterial walls, and it is this pressure that is measured. The numbers of the blood pressure reading indicate the flexibility of the arteries and can give an indication of their size. This information will be important when determining if there is a potential blockage in the arteries.
The blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers, one over the other, like a fraction. The first number is called the systolic blood pressure and measures the pressure as the heart contracts, (or pushes the blood). The second number is taken between heartbeats and measures the resting rate of pressure. This is called the diastolic pressure. Both of these numbers are individually important, and they also present a more complete picture of the circulatory system when viewed together. By measuring how hard the heart must push the blood through the walls of the arteries, and then by observing the rest period of the heart, a doctor can get an idea of how the arterial walls act in relation to any disease or damage. If you take your blood pressure regularly at home, you will notice that the readings may change at different times of the day, after exercise or even after eating a full meal. It's important to record all this information and give it to your doctor.
What Numbers Represent a Good Blood Pressure Reading?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, which is abbreviated mmHg. Most blood pressure reading charts state that a normal reading for an adult over the age of 20 is a systolic pressure (the top number) below 130 and a diastolic reading below 85mmHg. After the age of 40, the numbers may increase, but should stay below 139/89 mmHg. If the numbers go above these figures, the patient is diagnosed with hypertension, which is divided into four stages, from mild, moderate, severe or very severe. Each stage has its own medication therapy and should be closely monitored.
