Most people know that a blood pressure reading consists of two numbers that measure the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries while the heart is both beating and at rest between beats. It's measured with an inflatable arm cuff, called a sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope.
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Since most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, it's important to know not just your blood pressure, but what the numbers mean: under 120/80 is normal; 120-139/80-89 is prehypertension; 140-159/90-99 is Stage 1 hypertension; above 160/100 is Stage 2 hypertension.
Double-Checking
Since so many factors (including diet, stress and physical exertion) can contribute to a , most doctors take several on different days and at different times of day. Patients are also often asked to use an automatic home blood pressure machine to record readings over a specific time period.
Be Prepared
To help assure an accurate reading, health experts suggest patients prepare by not eating, drinking or smoking 30 minutes before the test; sitting quietly before putting on the cuff; sitting in a chair that allows your arm to rest at heart level; and wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
Results
People with a normal blood pressure reading have the lowest risk of developing heart disease, kidney damage, aneurysms, stroke and other life-threatening conditions related to high blood pressure. Those diagnosed with prehypertension have an increased risk and are generally advised to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Those diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 hypertension generally need prescription medications in addition to lifestyle changes.
Benefits
Studies show that every 20-point drop in systolic pressure and every 10-point drop in diastolic pressure reduces the risk of high blood pressure complications as much as 50 percent. The heart-healthy habits needed to achieve these results can help prevent other illnesses from developing, too.
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