About Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). Blood Pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
When our systolic pressure is less or equal to 120 mmHg, and our diastolic pressure less or equal to 80 mmHg, then we have normal blood pressure. Measurements 120-139 mmHg (systolic) or 80-89 mmHg (diastolic) indicate a prehypertension category. Measurements beyond 140 mmHg (systolic) or 90 mmHg (diastolic) indicate high blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association “High blood pressure is the No. 1 modifiable risk factor for stroke. It also contributes to heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure and atherosclerosis (fatty build-ups in arteries). In some cases, it can cause blindness.”
So it is important to keep your blood pressure under control (below 140/90 mmHg). If you experience problem with yours, there are two options: lifestyle changes and/or medications.
My experience indicates that simple lifestyle changes are effective. We are talking about changes like: healthy eating, reducing salt and sodium, helpful vitamin supplements, cholesterol control, fats in your diet, weight control, exercise, stress management and bad habits like smoking and not moderate alcohol consumption.
If lifestyle changes alone are not effective (in most cases they are), your next step should be to add medications (more about medications…next time).