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What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the first number, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the second number, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats).

Why is blood pressure important?

Blood pressure is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health. Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more. It is often called the “silent killer” because it may not show symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

How can I better understand my results?

Here are a few values that can be used to gauge your cardiovascular health:

  • Normal:
    • Systolic < 120 mm Hg
    • Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
  • Elevated
    • Systolic 120-129 mm Hg
    • Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
  • Hypertension Stage 1:
    • Systolic 130-139 mm Hg
    • Diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
  • Hypertension Stage 2:
    • Systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg
    • Diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg
  • Hypertensive Crisis (Seek immediate medical attention)
    • Systolic > 180 mm Hg
    • Diastolic > 120 mm Hg

Ranges specific to the Cardiometabolic Program:

  • Optimal
    • Systolic: ≤ 115 mmHg
    • Diastolic: ≤ 75 mmHg
  • Good
    • Systolic: 116-125 mmHg
    • Diastolic: 76-80 mmHg
  • Fair
    • 126-129 mmHg
    • 81-84 mmHg
  • Pay attention
    • Systolic: ≥130 mmHg
    • Diastolic ≥ 85 mmHg
  • Alert
    • Systolic: >140 mmHg
    • Diastolic: >90 mmHg

High blood pressure readings may be indicative of stress, diet, lifestyle factors, or underlying health conditions. Low blood pressure readings may indicate dehydration, heart problems, or endocrine issues.

How can I maintain optimal blood pressure levels?

If your blood pressure levels are higher than normal, you can try:

Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco products, and reducing alcohol consumption can help in lowering blood pressure levels.

Dietary Adjustments: Limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day and consuming potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help to lower blood pressure levels. Additionally, following a heart-healthy diet such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins also helps to regulate blood pressure levels.

Medication: If lifestyle and dietary changes are not enough, consult your doctor to see if medication is necessary to manage your blood pressure.

Where Can I Learn More?

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.