Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood as it pushes through arterial walls. When the heart beats, blood flows into the arteries and increases blood pressure. When the heart is at rest, blood pressure decreases. This is why blood pressure measurements are provided as two distinct numbers.
An abnormal blood pressure reading can indicate an underlying medical issue in a patient. And because high blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms until damage is severe, measurement of this vital sign is crucial to preserving your health.
Systolic pressure is a measurement of the force exerted on the arteries as the heart pumps blood, while diastolic pressure measures the force on the arteries when the heart is resting. When the systolic pressure is below 120 and diastolic pressure is less than 80, a person is considered to have a normal blood pressure. This reading is usually presented as 120/80.
There are three categories that can indicate a problem with blood pressure:
In the event high blood pressure is expected, your doctor will likely take several readings to get the most accurate view of your health.
What Issues Can High Blood Pressure Cause?
Some people develop high blood pressure over the course of years due to no underlying health conditions. This is known as primary hypertension. Conversely, secondary hypertension is associated with health conditions like:
A person’s age, family history, and lifestyle can also affect their chances of developing high blood pressure.
Most people do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure until it’s too late. That’s why routine medical exams are so important. By evaluating your health on a yearly basis, you can catch high blood pressure early and receive treatment before more serious effects occur.