Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. When blood pressure is too high or too low, it can cause problems in your body and make you feel unwell.

Blood pressure readings are a standard part of most medical check-ups because they provide crucial information about overall health and wellness.

What is Blood Pressure?

The heart pumps blood through the body to nourish organs and tissues with oxygen and nutrients. Blood pressure measurements reflect the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries as it circulates.

When the heart beats and blood flows through your arteries, it creates a force called systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, occurs when the heart is at rest in between beats.

Why is It Important to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the arterial walls is too high. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and cause a range of health problems, including:.

Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Vision loss

Similarly, low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause dizziness, fainting, and tiredness, as there isn’t enough pressure to pump blood around the body effectively.

What are Healthy Blood Pressure Levels?

According to the American Heart Association, healthy blood pressure is:.

Systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg
Diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg

If your blood pressure falls outside of these ranges, it’s important to take action to manage and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

How to Measure Blood Pressure

It’s easy to accurately measure blood pressure, and your doctor typically takes your blood pressure during a check-up. However, you can also take your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy using a blood pressure cuff.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Blood Pressure

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Lifestyle factors can significantly affect blood pressure, so making small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference:.

Eat a balanced diet low in salt
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Don’t smoke
Limit alcohol consumption

If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor may prescribe medication to help keep it under control. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to create a plan that works for you.

The Bottom Line

Measurement and maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision loss.

Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking, are key to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or have a history of high blood pressure in your family, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to protect your health.