We’ve all heard the term “Blood pressure” and have some idea of how important it is. But not many people really understand what the numbers mean and sometimes, having more information about a concept can help you appreciate its importance.
If you have ever wondered what your blood pressure numbers mean, then keep reading.
There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading. Doctors call them systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure.
Knowing both is important and could save your life.
What Does the Systolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
When your heart beats, it squeezes and pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of your body. This force creates pressure on those blood vessels, and that’s your systolic blood pressure.
- A normal systolic pressure is below 120.
- A reading of 120-129 is elevated.
- 130-139 is stage 1 high blood pressure (also called hypertension).
- 140 or more is stage 2 hypertension.
- 180 or more is a hypertensive crisis. And should be treated as a medical emergency.
What Does the Diastolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
The diastolic reading, or the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is the time when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.
A normal diastolic blood pressure is lower than 80. But even if your diastolic number is lower than 80, you can have elevated blood pressure if the systolic reading is 120-129.
- 80-89 is stage 1 hypertension.
- 90 or more is stage 2 hypertension.
- 120 or more is a hypertensive crisis. And should be treated as a medical emergency.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured?
A doctor or nurse will measure your blood pressure with a small gauge attached to an inflatable cuff. This piece of equipment is known as a sphygmomanometer. The process is simple and painless.
When using a traditional blood pressure taking device, The person taking your blood pressure wraps the cuff around your upper arm. Then they use a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through your artery.
The cuff is inflated to a pressure higher than your systolic blood pressure, and it will tighten around your arm. It is then released. As the cuff deflates, the first sound heard through the stethoscope is the systolic blood pressure. The point where this noise goes away marks the diastolic blood pressure.
In a blood pressure reading, the systolic number always comes first, and then the diastolic number. For example, your numbers may be “120 over 80” or written as 120/80.
How Often Should I Get My Blood Pressure Checked?
If your blood pressure is normal (less than 120/80), get it checked every year or more frequently as your doctor suggests.
If your blood pressure is elevated — systolic blood pressure between 120 and 129 or diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 — your doctor will probably want to check it every 3-6 months. Your doctor may probably recommend lifestyle changes like more exercise and a better diet.
If you have stage 1 hypertension — 130-139 over 89-90 — the doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and see you again in 3-6 months. Or tell you to make the changes and give you medication, then recheck your condition in a month. This also depends on what other health conditions or risk factors you have.
Someone with stage 2 hypertension — 140/90 or higher — will likely get medication. And also be asked to make lifestyle changes and see the doctor again in a month.
Can I Check my Blood Pressure at Home?
Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor check if your treatment is working.
Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” This is a real condition. For some people, the stress of being in a doctor’s office raises their blood pressure, but when they’re home, it’s normal.
If you would like to check your blood pressure at home, Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.
You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.
No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure as these may affect your readings.
When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.
Check it at the same time of day so the readings are consistent. Then, take several readings about 1 minute apart. Be sure to write down the results.
Take the blood pressure record to your doctor’s office so you can talk about any changes in your numbers. Your doctor will decide whether you need medications.
Even if your blood pressure is high, you probably won’t have symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” Many people have high blood pressure for years without any obvious symptoms and then suddenly experience a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage as a result of untreated high blood pressure. Many cases of sudden death have been linked to this.
Now that you hopefully have a better understanding of what your blood pressure readings mean and how they are obtained, make it a point to check your blood pressure as recommended.
