How to Understand Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure readings can be overwhelming to look at, never mind to read and understand correctly. What follows is a clear explanation of what you are looking at and what your blood pressure readings mean.

How to Understand Blood Pressure Readings

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries transfer blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Every time the heart contracts, it drives blood into the arteries. Keep in mind that your blood pressure does not stay the same throughout the day. It is at its lowest when sleeping, and goes up when you get up in the morning and start moving around. It also goes up when you are nervous, or physically active.

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure is measured through two numbers, systolic and diastolic. The first number (the number at the top), is called systolic blood pressure. This number processes the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number (bottom number), which is called the diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. The pressure in the arteries falls between actual beats.

Blood Pressure Categories

There are five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association.

Normal

A number of less than 120 over 80 mm Hg is within the normal range on blood pressure charts. Should your results fall into this category, continue following heart-healthy habits like exercising and a healthy, balanced diet.

Elevated

Your blood pressure is considered elevated when the reading ranges from 120/129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People diagnosed with elevated blood pressure, are likely to develop high blood pressure. However, steps can and should be taken to control the condition before it progresses into a stage where medication is needed.

Hypertension Stage 1

This stage occurs when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this point of high blood pressure, you will need medication to avoid the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which includes having a heart attack or a stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2

Stage 2 hypertension occurs when your blood pressure reading consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. When you have reached this level of blood pressure, your doctor will most likely prescribe several blood pressure medications and you will also have to make some lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive Crisis

If your blood pressure reading suddenly exceeds 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test your blood pressure again. If your reading is still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. There is a good chance that you are experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

Call 911 if your blood pressure monitor shows a reading higher than 180/120 mm Hg, and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage. Signs of organ damage include chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. Do not wait to see if your pressure goes down. Seek help immediately.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure normally develops over time. The cause of it could be because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, for example, not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions such as diabetes and/or obesity can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure can also increase with age as a result of the stiffening of arteries.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

When not kept in check during pregnancy, high blood pressure can put the mother and baby at risk. However, it is quite common to have high blood pressure when pregnant. In the United States, high blood pressure happens in one out of every 12 to 17 pregnancies. The most important thing to do before, during, and after pregnancy is to monitor blood pressure changes and report to your doctor when changes that you are not happy with, occur.

The good news is that you can measure your blood pressure at home with a digital blood pressure device that can be purchased at most pharmacies. Read the instructions carefully before using the device. The best time to take your reading is when you are at rest. The key to healthy blood pressure is to detect any changes early. Talk with your family doctor to better understand your blood pressure readings if you have any questions.

Helpful reading: 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

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