How Is Blood Pressure Measured and What Do the Numbers Mean?

Posted: October 26, 2023

Categories: Blood Pressure Check

Tags: blood pressure check

How Is Blood Pressure Measured and What Do the Numbers Mean

Since high blood pressure doesn’t show visible symptoms the only way to know if you have high blood pressure (aka hypertension), is to take a blood pressure test. Understanding what the results mean is the key to managing high blood pressure. With the proper high blood pressure treatment and regular blood pressure testing, hypertension can be reversed so you can live a long and healthy life.

With over 22 Pearl Chemist Group pharmacies offering blood pressure tests in London, we make it easy for you to get regular blood pressure tests.

While getting regular blood pressure tests is important, it’s equally important that you understand what the test result numbers mean. This will give you valuable insight into whether your high blood pressure treatment is working.

Your Blood Pressure Numbers and What They Mean

A blood pressure reading has 2 figures (a top and bottom one) that are each measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg):

● Systolic Pressure(top number) refers to the amount of pressure placed on the arteries as the heart beats.

● Diastolic Pressure (bottom number) refers to the amount of pressure placed on the arteries while the heart restsbetween heartbeats.

For example, if your blood pressure reading is 140/90mmHg (140 over 90), it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.

As a general guide:

● Normal blood pressure is 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg.

● High blood pressure is 140/90mmHg or higher.

● Low blood pressureis below 90/60mmHg.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is typically caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as not exercising, obesity, smoking, and consuming too much alcohol. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of developing several serious long-term health conditions, including coronary heart disease which can lead to potentially fatal heart attacks or stroke.

Don’t put your health in jeopardy, book an appointment at Pearl Chemist Group to get a blood pressure test in Earlsfield today! It’s the only way to find out if you have hypertension.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

The most common high blood pressure treatment typically includes making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and losing weight. Whether medicine is also recommended as part of your high blood pressure treatment depends on your blood pressure reading and your risk of developing problems such as heart disease, stroke, or other serious conditions.