The “Value” of Your Blood Pressure
by Jauron McKelvin
Pfizer Exercise Physiologist

In order to understand how valuable maintaining an adequate blood pressure level is to one’s overall health, it is essential to gain an understanding of how blood pressure works within the body. The term “blood pressure” refers to the force of blood pushing against arterial walls (blood vessels). The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which carry the blood throughout the body.

A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure rises steadily from about 90/60 at birth to about 120/80 in adults.

There are several categories of blood pressure, including:

• Normal: Less than 120/80
• Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
• Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90-99
• Stage 2 hypertension: 160 and above/100 and above

People with blood pressure as high as 140/90 on at least two separate occasions are said to have high blood pressure, otherwise called hypertension. Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it also contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Hypertension is often called "the silent killer" because it rarely exhibits symptoms even as it inflicts serious damage on the body. Almost one-third of those who have hypertension don't even know it!

The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked routinely. You should visit your doctor or another qualified health professional, who can check it at least once every two years and more often if you’ve had high readings. Blood pressure is measured by a quick, painless test using a medical instrument called a sphygmomanometer. A rubber cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated. This compresses the brachial artery in the arm, momentarily stopping the blood flow.

Then the air in the cuff is released, and the person measuring the blood pressure listens with a stethoscope. When the blood starts to pulse through the brachial artery, it makes two sounds (systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively). Sounds continue to be heard until pressure in the artery exceeds the pressure in the cuff.

People whose blood pressure is consistently above the normal range should consult their doctor about methods for lowering it. If the levels remain high, the doctor will most likely begin treatment, usually prescribing an exercise regimen and medication to follow if that modality does not help to lower the blood pressure. If medication is not an option, there are some other lifestyle changes that can help, including: losing weight, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet, which includes lowering sodium but including daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods), and getting enough exercise, especially aerobic exercise.

The exact causes of hypertension are not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including: smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, high levels of sodium in the diet, high daily consumption of alcohol, stress, and old age. When your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, such as: migraines, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and/or blood in the urine. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to a host of health problems, including vision problems, heart attack, stroke and other potentially fatal conditions, including kidney failure.

Hypertension may also lead to congestive heart failure, a common disorder of the elderly that can result in breathing problems. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be controlled effectively. The first steps include education and recognition. This means you should have your blood pressure checked regularly and know what the blood pressure ranges are!

High blood pressure is most often found in the following populations:

• Those with a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes
• African-Americans
• Smokers
• Pregnant women or women who take birth control pills
• People over age 60
• People who are overweight
• People who are not active
• Excessive drinkers
• People who eat foods high in fat or sodium

In all, high blood pressure, like many other health related issues, is something that we can control typically through leading an active lifestyle, incorporating healthy eating habits, and educating yourself on normal levels to know your status and where you stand health wise. Just remember that it’s never too late to make a change for the better. It begins with a self-commitment that requires hard work and determination, but you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life!