Blood pressure is a critical aspect of your cardiovascular health. It measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps.
In this article, we explain how it works and provide practical tips for keeping it in top condition.
Understanding blood pressure Its readings consist of two numbers
– Systolic pressure: is the higher number; it measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats.
– Diastolic pressure: is the lower number; it measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats when the heart is at rest.
For example, in a reading of 120/80 mmHg, 120 is the systolic pressure, and 80 is the diastolic pressure. A healthy blood pressure is essential for overall well-being.
The American Heart Association defines its levels as follows: Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg Hypertension stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mmHg Hypertension stage 2: 140 or higher/90 or higher mmHg.
To maintain a normal range and prevent complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, we recommend you:
– Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
– Reduce salt intake and limit consumption of processed foods.
– Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling.
– Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
– Excessive alcohol and smoking can raise it.
– Reducing or eliminating these habits supports heart health.
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help keep your stress levels in check.
Stay Hydrated, because drinking plenty of water helps maintain the balance of fluids in your body, which supports healthy levels.
For more information about it, don’t miss the following video!
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