Blood Pressure UK - Know Your Numbers

Dear CCS Care family,

Welcome to the latest edition of the CCS Care Newsletter! In this issue, we're going to explore into a crucial aspect of your health - your blood pressure. Understanding your blood pressure and knowing your numbers is essential for maintaining good health and preventing serious medical conditions. So, let's dive in and learn more about this vital aspect of your well-being.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is typically expressed as two numbers:

Systolic Pressure: This is the higher number and represents the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart beats or contracts.

Diastolic Pressure: This is the lower number and indicates the force of blood when your heart is at rest between beats.

For example, a normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. The first number (120) is the systolic pressure, and the second number (80) is the diastolic pressure.

Why is Blood Pressure Important?

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is essential because high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health problems, including:

Heart Disease: High blood pressure can damage the arteries, making it easier for cholesterol and other substances to build up in the blood vessels. This can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Kidney Disease: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease and even kidney failure.

Vision Problems: High blood pressure can affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to vision problems or blindness.

Brain Health: Uncontrolled hypertension can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition occurs when the arteries in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, which can be exacerbated by high blood pressure.

Know Your Numbers

Knowing your blood pressure numbers is crucial because it allows you to take control of your health. Here's what different blood pressure ranges mean:

Normal: A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. If your numbers fall within this range, congratulations! Your heart and blood vessels are in good shape.

Elevated: If your systolic pressure is between 120-129 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg, you have elevated blood pressure. This is a warning sign that you need to take steps to lower your blood pressure.

Hypertension Stage 1: This stage is diagnosed when your systolic pressure ranges from 130-139 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80-89 mmHg.

Hypertension Stage 2: In this stage, your systolic pressure is consistently at or above 140 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mmHg.

Hypertensive Crisis: If your blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek medical attention immediately. This is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment.

How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help maintain healthy blood pressure:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Reduce your intake of salt, saturated fats, and processed foods.

Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your blood pressure.

Limit Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For most people, this means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men

Quit Smoking: Smoking raises your blood pressure and increases your risk of heart disease. Seek support to quit smoking if needed.

Reduce Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure at home or through your healthcare provider. Knowing your numbers helps you track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Take Medications as Prescribed: If your doctor has prescribed medication to control your blood pressure, be sure to take it as directed.

Conclusion

Understanding your blood pressure and knowing your numbers is a critical step in maintaining good health. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms until it leads to a serious health problem. By taking proactive steps to monitor and control your blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

Remember, it's never too late to start making positive changes in your life to support healthy blood pressure. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance and recommendations.

That wraps up this edition of the CCS Care Newsletter. We hope you found this information valuable and that it inspires you to take control of your blood pressure for a healthier and happier life. Stay tuned for more informative articles in our future newsletters. Until then, take care of your heart and yourself!

#BloodPressure #KnowYourNumbers #HeartHealth #HealthyLifestyle #CCSCareNewsletter #StayHealthy

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With warm regards,

CCS Care Newsletter Team