High Blood Pressure
Pulse Pressure – Blood Pressure Readings You Need to Know
You’ve undoubtedly had a blood pressure reading at virtually every doctor’s visit in memory. There’s good reason for this. As it is scientifically known, hypertension is among the most common metabolic diseases affecting American adults. It occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries is elevated, pushing against the arterial walls. When caught and managed early, treatment can slow or prevent the onset of severe cardiovascular diseases. But you’ll probably notice that your blood pressure reading differs within a few days or even over the course of the same day. This is perfectly normal. We all have fluctuations in blood pressure caused by emotions, hormonal surges, physical exercise, or stress.
Further, it’s important to remember that the reading taken at your doctor’s office is probably somewhat, if not significantly, different from what you would see when relaxing at home.
Three Effective Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a leading risk factor of cardiovascular disease and, unfortunately, very common in modern-day society. A worsening of the obesity epidemic throughout the United States has made high blood pressure a fact of life for more of our patients, many of whom are experiencing it at even younger ages. Blood pressure involves the resistance of blood flow within the arteries, as well as how much blood the heart must pump. There are two numbers to every blood pressure reading. The upper number, or systolic, measures arterial pressure during a heartbeat, while the lower number measures it between beats. Both numbers are relevant when deciding if your blood pressure needs to be treated.