A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Itโs written as two numbers, like 120/80 mmHg.
๐ฉบ What the Numbers Mean
- Top number (Systolic): Pressure when the heart beats
- Bottom number (Diastolic): Pressure when the heart rests between beats
๐ Normal & High Ranges
| Category | Reading (mmHg) |
|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 / 80 |
| Elevated | 120โ129 / less than 80 |
| High (Stage 1) | 130โ139 / 80โ89 |
| High (Stage 2) | 140+ / 90+ |
| Low BP | Below 90 / 60 |
โ ๏ธ Why It Matters
Abnormal blood pressure can lead to serious conditions like:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney problems
๐ How to Measure Correctly
- Sit calmly for 5 minutes before checking
- Keep arm at heart level
- Donโt talk during measurement
- Take 2 readings and average them
๐ก Tips to Maintain Healthy BP
- Reduce salt intake
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress
- Maintain healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
If you want, I can help you interpret your own blood pressure readingโjust tell me the numbers ๐