The Blood Pressure Basics

If you’d rather consult with a primary care physician, then call Southern Maryland Medical Group to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It’s a crucial part of how your circulatory system works by ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues and organs.

When you measure your blood pressure, you get two numbers, typically written as one over the other (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg). These numbers represent two different phases of the heart’s cycle:

• Systolic Pressure: The top number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. It’s the higher of the two numbers.
• Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. It’s the lower number.

Why are these numbers important?

Your blood pressure reading will indicate how hard your heart is working and how healthy your arteries are. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Here’s a quick rundown of what different ranges mean:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90
• Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, which requires immediate medical attention

Why is high blood pressure a concern?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms but can lead to serious health problems over time. Here are some of the risks associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure:

• Heart Disease: High blood pressure can damage your arteries, leading to heart attacks, heart failure, and other heart-related issues.
• Stroke: Hypertension can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become blocked, leading to a stroke.
• Kidney Damage: The kidneys filter waste from your blood, and high blood pressure can damage these filtering units, leading to kidney disease or failure.
• Vision Loss: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, causing vision problems or blindness.
• Aneurysm: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm, which can be life-threatening if it bursts.

Managing your blood pressure

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure helps you understand your health status and act when needed. Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and easy to use. If you want to maintain a healthy heart and arteries, then consider:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins,
• Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, each week,
• Drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking,
• Managing stress via techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga,
• Maintaining a healthy weight,
• And seeing your primary care doctors in Clinton regularly.

If you are concerned about your heart rate or blood pressure, then call Southern Maryland Medical Group to get in touch with a member of our team.