A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s expressed as two numbers:
Understanding the Numbers
- Systolic (top number) – Pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic (bottom number) – Pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Example: 120/80 mmHg
- 120 → systolic
- 80 → diastolic
Blood Pressure Categories (Adults)
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | <80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | >180 | >120 (seek emergency care) |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring.
- Keep your arm at heart level.
- Avoid caffeine, exercise, or smoking 30 minutes prior.
- Take 2–3 readings a few minutes apart and average them.
💡 Note: Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day. Consistently high readings should be reviewed by a healthcare provider.
If you want, I can explain how seniors can maintain healthy blood pressure naturally with diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips. Do you want me to do that?
