The Importance Of Measuring Blood Pressure

The following extract is from a series of heart health articles and videos about blood pressure …

Sometimes it seems that blood pressure is a hot issue that is referenced almost everywhere you look. Even though most people know that it is important, few people really know what it is and why it is so essential to the condition of your health.

Blood is continuously being moved throughout the body via the blood vessels and arteries. Blood pressure measures the force of the blood pushing against your artery walls as it passes through these.

Every time the heart beats, which is about 60 to 70 times per minute for an average, healthy person when resting, it pumps blood out through the arteries which then carry it to every area of your body.

Your blood pressure reading is at its highest when the heart beats and pushes out blood. This is called the systolic blood pressure. In between the beats your heart is at rest and the pressure in your arteries falls, this is known as the diastolic blood pressure reading.

Blood pressure measurements are always given as a pair of numbers representing the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure, which are both important measurements. These numbers are generally written as one preceding the other separated with a slash, such as 110/75 mmHg. The first number, also called the top number, is the systolic reading. The second number, or bottom number, is the reading for the diastolic blood pressure measurement.

When this pair of numbers is recorded, the systolic measurement is recorded first followed by the diastolic blood pressure measurement and when speaking of these measurements, it is common to say "my blood pressure is 110 over 75" which is recorded as 110/75.

Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day depending on what you are doing, your stress levels and your emotional states. It will be at its lowest while you are resting, especially when sleeping and rises during the day. If you spend much of your time sitting or standing it will remain fairly stable throughout the day.

The ideal blood pressure level is under 120/80. When the measurements stay consistently high, such as at the point of 140/90, then you are considered to have high blood pressure. This is a health concern because this condition causes the heart to work harder, which will place stress on the arteries. It also raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems, such as kidney stones and kidney failure.

One common question people have is, what causes high blood pressure? Unfortunately, the answer is not simple and straightforward for most people because a single, specific cause cannot be pinpointed. This is known as primary or essential high blood pressure and there is ongoing research to learn more about the causes.

However, for others the condition is known to be a result of a specific medical problem they have or is caused by a medication they are taking. Under these conditions, this is referred to as secondary high blood pressure.

Your blood pressure levels provide an important insight into your overall health and because of that, regular blood pressure monitoring is also essential, especially if you start to notice a trend where it consistently reads above 120/80. If your blood pressure is frequently above 140/90, then it's time to make an appointment with your physician.

For more articles on blood pressure, go here: Coronary Risks