Close to 120 million people in the United States have high blood pressure; that’s almost half of all adults. It doesn’t usually come with symptoms, which is why it’s often called the silent killer. Only 59.2% of people are aware they have it.
If you’ve ever had your blood pressure checked and wondered what the numbers mean, you’re not alone. Many people get a reading during a doctor’s visit but don’t understand how to interpret it.
At Keven Tagdiri, M.D., in Encinitas, California, we believe in helping our patients understand their numbers so they can take control of their health. Since May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, now is a great time to learn more about this vital aspect of your health.
Blood pressure is the force at which blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. Your heart pumps blood through these arteries to carry oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. A healthy blood pressure keeps this system running smoothly.
When we check your blood pressure, we give you two numbers. It might look something like this: 120/80 mmHg (spoken as “120 over 80”).
Each number represents a different part of the heartbeat. The top number (systolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Both numbers are significant. Together, they help us understand how hard your heart works and how well your arteries function.
Normal, healthy blood pressure measures 120/80 or less. Elevated blood pressure is in the range of systolic 120–129 and diastolic less than 80.
High blood pressure (hypertension stage 1) is systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89. High blood pressure (hypertension stage 2) is systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher.
If your systolic reading is over 180 or the diastolic is over 120, you’re experiencing a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency.
A single high reading doesn’t always mean you have high blood pressure. We usually check your numbers several times and sometimes ask you to monitor them at home to get an accurate picture.
Over time, high blood pressure is likely to cause significant damage, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke), kidney problems, and vision loss.
Common reasons someone might have high blood pressure include:
Other health problems can cause blood pressure to rise. We complete a thorough evaluation to find out what’s behind your numbers so we can treat any underlying conditions, such as diabetes.
Whatever range your blood pressure fits into, these healthy habits can help:
Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-salt options.
Aim for no less than 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Losing weight can make a considerable difference to your blood pressure, among many other health benefits.
If you struggle with chronic or excessive stress, deep breathing, meditation, and walks outside can help.
You should also limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
Sometimes, Dr. Tagdiri recommends medication to help control blood pressure. These medicines work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. When we catch high blood pressure early enough, we can reverse it without medication.
If you’re healthy and under 40, check your blood pressure at least once every year. If you’re over 40 or have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart disease, you may need to check it more often.
We always check your blood pressure during regular office visits, and many pharmacies and health centers offer free blood pressure screenings. Home monitors are another option — make sure to select one that’s accurate, use it correctly, and keep a log of your readings.
If you haven’t had a blood pressure review recently, now is the perfect time. During High Blood Pressure Education Month, we encourage our patients to learn more, ask questions, and take simple steps to protect their hearts.
Call Keven Tagdiri, M.D., to arrange a blood pressure check or request an appointment online today.
