Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers

If you have cause to become concerned about your blood pressure, you ought to start monitoring it yourself at home. High blood pressure or hypertension is called 'The Silent Killer' because you cannot know whether you have it unless you measure it. You cannot guess or simply feel it. First of all, you ought to talk to your medical doctor and he will give you some figures, then you can buy a blood pressure monitor and keep an eye on your condition.

When you are given your blood pressure reading by either your GP or your machine, you will be given two numbers, say 120/80.

The first figure is your systolic blood pressure. The systolic pressure is whilst your heart 'beats' or contracts, pumping your blood around you body.

The second number is when your heart expands, sucking blood back into itself. This is the diastolic blood pressure. These numbers are of the blood pressure in your arteries.

There are four categories that your blood pressure readings can fall into. The first is normal and it is by and large accepted that that means readings below 120/80. These figures relate to a healthy person but can be attained by almost anyone by maintaining a healthy active lifestyle.

The second stage is known as 'Prehypertension' and relates to blood pressures between 'normal' and 140/90. This is the warning stage that you ought to be doing something to reduce your blood pressure. This could mean: a modification of diet; drinking less alcohol, tea or coffee; losing weight; taking more exercise; smoking less or giving up smoking altogether.

The third stage is called 'Hypertension Stage One' and is reflected by numbers between prehypertension and 160/100. If you get into this stage then you actually need to see your physician and he will recommend serious alterations to your lifestyle along the lines suggested above or / and he will put you on medication.

The fourth stage is known as 'Hypertension Stage Two' and is anything above 160/100. This is quite dangerous and your GP will want to get you to make radical alterations to your lifestyle and / or take medication which could be for the remainder of your life. If you reach this stage get to your medical doctor's as soon as possible.

Whilst you are discussing your blood pressure with your doctor, make certain you tell him about any other medicine you are taking, because some medication will raise blood pressure as well. Examples of medication that can raise your blood pressure are: anti-depressants, oral contraceptives and anti-flu or anti-cough medications.

There are other things that can have an effect on blood pressure too. lack of sleep is one. Do you have a new-born baby, a sick child, money concerns, sleep apnoea or a snoring spouse that prevent you from sleeping properly?

Fear, anger and anxiety are also causes of high blood pressure. So is constipation, drinking too much and smoking. So, before you let your doctor prescribe medication to reduce your blood pressure, be certain he is aware of all your circumstances.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on numerous of subjects, but is presently concerned with how to read blood pressure. If you want to know more or check out some great offers, just go to our site at High Blood Pressure Recipes.