Blood pressure is the force through which blood moves oxygen and nutrients through your arteries to your tissues and organs. Blood pressure also helps carry the toxic waste in your body through your liver and kidney.
A normal blood pressure reading is essential to your well-being. But do you know what that is? May is National Blood Pressure Education Month and an ideal time to find out.
Dr. Hector Fabregas of Healthstone Primary, with locations in Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Davie, Florida, takes this opportunity to educate you about your blood pressure reading.
Blood pressure is represented by two equally important numbers, for example, 120/80. The top number represents the systolic pressure, the amount of pressure in arteries during heart muscle contraction. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which refers to the blood pressure when the heart muscle is between beats.
These two numbers together represent your blood pressure.
Blood pressure readings fall into several categories:
A Stage 1 or 2 reading means high blood pressure or hypertension. If you’re in a hypertensive crisis, seek immediate medical attention.
Untreated, high blood pressure can lead to many serious complications, including:
Dr. Fabregas recommends the following lifestyle tips for maintaining healthy blood pressure:
For more information about blood pressure or if it’s been more than a year since your last complete physical examination, it’s time to schedule your annual wellness visit. Request an appointment by calling our office most convenient for you or booking online today.
