A question asked by KittenCat: What is normal blood pressure, and what do the numbers mean?
I have been told that I have slightly high blood pressure for my age because of tablets Im taking. Just want to know also what I can do to get it down. What type of diet should I be having?
Chosen answer:
Answer by Jody B
120/80 is normal blood pressure. One number is how fast blood pumps into the heart, the other number is how fast it pumps out.
Whether you agree or disagree, why not leave your own thoughts below.
Normal blood pressure used to be considered 120/80. Now, most medical authorities have lowered this target to 110/70. Systolic blood pressure is the top number and it measures how hard your blood is being pushed through your blood vessels. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number and it measures how hard blood is pushing outward against the walls of your arteries.
Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
The top number is called the systolic pressure and represents the highest pressure that develops in your blood vessels when the heart pumps blood out into your circulatory system. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure and represents the static pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats.
The numbers represent millimeters of mercury in a vacuum column. In other words, 120 over 80 represents about 2.3 pounds per square inch and 1.6 pounds per square inch of pressure, respectively (if you want to compare it to, say, a compressed air system or something).
Losing weight and exercising can lower blood pressure a lot. Avoiding salt can also lower blood pressure in some people. Don’t eat licorice, which raises blood pressure a lot.
Hi KittenCat,
Here are 9 steps to lower blood pressure:
1. Put out the cigarette.
There is a significant blood pressure rise with every cigarette you smoke.
2. Pour out the liquor.
More than two drinks daily for men and one for women can elevate blood pressure. One drink is equal to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
3. Get off the couch.
Inactivity equals an increased heart rate. Increased heart rate means the heart must pump harder and exert more force on artery walls. Shoot for 30 minutes of activity 5 or more days each week. Get moving!
4. Reduce stress.
Do you turn to cigarettes, alcohol, or food to cope with stress? If so, find a new method ASAP. Possibilities include meditating, taking a bubble bath, going for a long walk – whatever works for you.
5. Change fats in your diet.
Reduce saturated fat intake by replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats.
6. Use fatty acids.
Include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet everyday.
7. Cut back on salt.
Read food labels to limit sodium intake to 2300 milligrams per day.
8. Increase fiber intake.
A high fiber diet is necessary for heart health. You need 25-35 grams of dietary fiber daily.
9. Know your minerals.
Three minerals play critical roles in blood pressure management – potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure – http://www.lisanelsonrd.com/naturalwaystolowerbloodpressure.html