What You Should Know About Normal Blood Pressure
What is blood pressure? It is defined as the blood put forth against the arteries’ walls. Blood pressure is an indicator of how hard the heart has to work to push the blood through the entire circulatory system.
Generally, we will not have the same blood pressure all day. Blood pressure changes based on the activity of a person. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 (systolic and diastolic) is considered normal. A person can then determine if their blood pressure is high or low based on this norm.
It is important to keep the blood pressure under control because once it becomes too high, hypertension can occur and cause a heart attack or stroke. Medical research has proven that in every systolic reading of at least a 20 point increase or in a diastolic reading of a 10 point increase, the risk of heart attack or stroke is doubled.
There is no known cure for high blood pressure, but two components in maintaining normal blood pressure is proper diet and physical activity. High blood pressure can be prevented by eating the right kinds of foods, getting enough sleep, avoiding stressful activities, and taking the necessary medication. Strenuous exercise and other arduous activities can make the blood pressure increase to an unsafe level. Exercising within set limits can be beneficial to keep the blood pressure under control.
Understanding Normal Blood Pressure in Women
Women may see changes in their blood pressure after menopause, while men typically develop problems in early adulthood. One common problem is hypertension, which can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, or stroke. While a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80, it may not always be the norm. For example, pregnant women tend to have lower blood pressure which may be normal for her during the pregnancy. If the blood pressure reading is a little higher than normal (above 120/80), then the woman may have pre-hypertension. This may be an indication of hypertension, but if a woman acts quickly to bring her blood pressure back to a normal, healthy range the problem can be prevented. This is the very reason why women are encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly during pregnancy to make necessary actions before it is too late. Prevention is the key. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be harmful not only to the mother, but also to the child inside the womb. Pregnant women may also be at risk for preclampsia, seizures, and other possible dangers. Proper rest is important during this time and eating foods that can lower blood pressure is essential in maintaining normal blood pressure during pregnancy.
As mentioned earlier, high blood pressure can be treated, even though there is no known cure for it. You may not even have symptoms that indicate high blood pressure. Excitement, stress, fatty foods, lack of exercise, strenuous exercise, age, climate, and other factors can contribute to high blood pressure. The best thing that a woman can do is to monitor her blood pressure and practice a healthy lifestyle.
Normal Blood Pressure in Men
Like women, men are also advised to check their blood pressure on a regular basis to ensure that they maintain the normal reading of 120/80. Men tend to have high blood pressure because of their lifestyle, activities, diet, neglecting medical care, and other various factors.
Smoking, excessive drinking, strenuous activities (including workouts beyond limit), lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and skipping doctor appointments are some of the factors that may contribute to high blood pressure in men. A simple change in lifestyle can keep blood pressure under control. Refraining from drinking and smoking can greatly reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Smoking is very dangerous to the heart because it causes the heart to pump more than it usually does.
Sodium has its benefits, but it can also contribute to hypertension. High sodium consumption can create water retention, which in turn causes an increase in blood volume. This can then cause the pressure go beyond the normal range. Reducing salt intake can help maintain a healthy blood pressure range.
Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure
There are many ways to maintain normal blood pressure.
Start with a well planned diet of fiber rich food, which include fruits and vegetables. Whole grains are also integral in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Fatty foods should be eaten in moderation. Thirty minutes of exercise daily, including walking, can greatly reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Getting enough sleep and avoiding stress are also important in maintaining a normal blood pressure. Abstaining from smoking and alcohol are integral as well. Consult your physician for regular check ups. Ask your doctor what steps to take to ensure a safe and healthy blood pressure range.
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