When you go in for a doctor’s visit, whether you’re getting a complete physical or have concerns about a specific condition, blood pressure readings are always part of the information gathered.
These readings are a measure of the force that blood exerts against the walls of your arteries, which also moves blood throughout your body using your circulatory system.
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flowing through your arteries and veins is too high, creating numerous problems for your heart and other body parts, such as your kidneys, brain, and eyes.
High blood pressure doesn’t always present with symptoms, so knowing what your readings mean can make a big difference in knowing when to seek help and how quickly you can get it under control.
For help understanding and controlling your blood pressure, Dr. Shawn Veiseh and our dedicated medical team in Beverly Hills, California, are here to provide quality diagnostics and care.
When you have your blood pressure checked, the reading consists of two numbers. The top number is known as the systolic reading, and it measures the force of blood pressure as it’s being pumped from your heart. The bottom number is your diastolic reading, and it measures the force of the blood between heartbeats when your heart is at rest.
The general guidelines for healthy blood pressure are at or below 120 systolic over 80 diastolic, or 120/80. However, that number can change due to several factors, including the time of day, your age, current health status, and the presence of chronic diseases.
When your blood pressure goes above 120/80, it falls into one of four categories:
High blood pressure can result from numerous factors, such as:
The risk of hypertension also increases with age, and some races are at higher risk of developing it earlier, including African Americans.
There’s also a form of this illness called primary hypertension that occurs without cause and is more common in older children and adults. In children, these problems are often related to other health conditions, such as kidney disease, cardiac or endocrine illnesses, or certain medications.
We can help you manage your blood pressure in several ways. Changes in dietary habits are an important first step, making sure you eat foods lower in sodium and cholesterol, as well as a physical activity regimen to keep your circulation at proper levels and help reduce weight. A half hour of moderate exercise can do wonders for your heart and blood pressure.
If these changes aren’t enough, we have several medications to regulate your blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. Often, the combination of lifestyle changes and medications will be recommended.
Healthy blood pressure is crucial to your overall health, and with proper monitoring and medical care, it can be effectively managed to help you live a longer, healthier life.
For help controlling your blood pressure, book an appointment with Dr. Veiseh and our team today by calling our office or scheduling a visit online.
