Blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and cancer are among the most common health issues you often hear about. Considering the lifestyle we have, these diseases are prevalent, and their risk increases with time. Talking specifically about your health, it is essential to maintain normal blood pressure. If it remains high, the condition is called hypertension. According to statistics, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. So before you get worried or confused, here is a small guide about everything you should know regarding blood pressure.
What Is Blood Pressure?
The heart supplies blood to the whole body. With every beat you feel, the heart pumps blood into the circulatory system’s large blood vessel, which provides it to the rest of the body. As this blood moves around the body in the vessels, it puts pressure on these vessels’ walls. This pressure is called blood pressure. Blood pressure keeps fluctuating throughout the day. However, if there is a constant extreme low or high pressure, then it is an issue that needs to be addressed.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured?
Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg) using a meter called sphygmomanometer. The readings have two values; systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure is when the heart beats and pushes blood through the arteries to the whole body. While diastolic blood pressure is the measure of pressure on the arteries, the heart relaxes between the beats. Diastolic pressure readings are always lower than systolic blood pressure. The readings show systolic value first and then diastolic blood pressure. The normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
What Is The Importance Of Blood Pressure Readings?
Your blood pressure keeps fluctuating throughout the day. If you are resting, it will be low, and if you are doing something that requires a lot of energy, like exercise, then it will be high. However, if the readings are always low or high, then it is wrong. It is like creating additional stress for the heart. If the readings are consistently high, then you might be suffering from a condition called high blood pressure or, in medical terms, hypertension. It is a common disease in adults. Hypertension puts a lot of stress on the heart and forces it to pump harder. This additional stress or pressure can lead to stroke or other heart diseases that can be fatal.
How To Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure?
The fundamental way to maintain healthy blood pressure or, in general, a healthy lifestyle is by having a balanced diet. Along with that, try doing some exercise and keep yourself relaxed. Too much stress will have harmful effects on your body. Also, control the use of sodium in your diet. There can be times when you won’t be aware of hypertension until you get it diagnosed by a doctor. So make the most of your health insurance policy by getting regular checkups and screenings done and keep yourself healthy and active.
The pandemic has taught us the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of ourselves. Blood pressure is significant as it involves the health of your heart. Blood pressure keeps fluctuating, but if there is a constantly high or low-pressure pattern, you should visit your doctor and address the issue before it is too late. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet with all essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Do some exercise regularly and give your body some time to relax and detox. Ensure that you have a reasonable and affordable health insurance policy that can provide you with coverage if such a situation occurs.