What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood as it moves through the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The normal blood pressure for an adult is 120/80 mm Hg, with a range of 110/70 to 130/80 mm Hg.
Blood pressure is commonly referred to as systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number, while diastolic pressure is the bottom number. The higher the number, the greater the pressure.
Why do we have high blood pressure?
There are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. The most common cause of high blood pressure is a diet that is too high in sodium and other harmful ingredients. This can be due to eating foods such as breads, pastas, cereals, meats, etc., which contain sodium. Many of these foods also contain added sugars, fats and preservatives. All of these things contribute to a rise in blood pressure.
Many people don’t realize that they have high blood pressure until their doctor tells them. They may have no symptoms at all. Some people will experience headaches or dizziness. Others may feel fatigued. A few people may even feel lightheaded when they get up from a sitting position.
How can I lower my blood pressure?
You can start lowering your blood pressure today by changing your diet. It is important to choose healthy foods that contain less sodium. You can do this by cutting back on salt and eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating foods such as fish, nuts and beans can also help you lower your blood pressure.
You can also take medications if you have high blood pressure. There are many prescription medications that can help control your blood pressure. These include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. These medications will help you lower your blood pressure but they should only be used under the care of your physician.
If you want to find out if you have high blood pressure, visit your doctor. He or she will check your blood pressure and give you a diagnosis.
