High Systolic Blood Pressure
Blood pressure issues are warnings of potential health dangers, especially in the case of high systolic blood pressure readings. Having the facts about your blood pressure could potentially save your life.
Our hearts beat on average 103,680 times per day; pumping around 2000 gallons of blood through our bodies in that time period. As this blood courses through our veins, it reaches and nourishes each of our organs. When any barriers stand in the way of this efficient process, every part of our body suffers.
When blood moves through our arteries, it creates pressure against the artery walls. This pressure is measured when the doctor places a blood pressure cuff on your forearm. After constricting the cuff by pumping air into it, the air is methodically released. A gauge attached to the cuff registers two separate numbers; the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Measuring the pressure that blood exerts on the artery walls during a heart beat is the systolic pressure, while the pressure exerted between heart beats is the diastolic pressure. When the reading results in a high systolic blood pressure reading, no doubt your doctor will be concerned.
It is important to note that blood pressure changes continuously throughout every day of our life. Outside influences, such as stress, excitement, anger or even mild illnesses can create a rise in blood pressure; a normal process causing no problems. Blood pressure is generally lower while you are sleeping, then rises to your normal levels upon waking. During the day, your blood pressure will otherwise remain pretty stable. When a continuous high systolic blood pressure reading is noted, it could mean there is a problem.
Medical guidelines say that an ideal systolic reading should be no more than 120. A reading between 120 and 139 is termed to be pre-hypertensive, and over 139 is hypertensive, resulting in either stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure. High systolic blood pressure can lead to potential heart problems, kidney problems and stroke if left untreated.
One reading that results in high systolic blood pressure measure is not necessarily a harbinger of issues. It is important to have consecutive readings to monitor the pressure, and establish an average that is an accurate measure for your health. By doing so, your doctor will have the information needed to make a precise diagnosis needed to treat your condition.
Even in those individuals who have consistent high systolic blood pressure readings, there are highly successful medical treatments and medications available that can bring that number down. The individual can assume some control, as well, by adopting a healthier diet, exercise regime and quit unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. The first step is to get the information you need through a blood pressure diagnosis by your doctor; the second step is to prepare to live a long and healthier life.