By Bianca Grover

You have most likely heard the term “high blood pressure” at least once in your life, whether it was coming from a family member, physician or maybe in a drug commercial. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease. With over 600,000 Americans dying from cardiovascular disease every year, it is critical to understand the importance of your numbers and how they can be improved.

Simply put, blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart. Its measurement is recorded by two numbers: 1. Systolic Pressure (The top number) and 2. Diastolic Pressure (The bottom number). Problems usually arise when blood pressure levels deviate too far from a healthy normal highlighted below.

High Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure needs to be at a balance. When it is too high, the lining of your arteries becomes damaged and less elastic. This causes a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the heart. A symptom of this decrease is angina, known as chest pain. High blood pressure can also cause atherosclerosis, the clogging of your arteries that can result in a heart attack or a stroke. Some factors that can cause high blood pressure include : lack of physical activity, too much salt in your diet, sleep apnea, smoking, drinking, age or being overweight.

Low Blood Pressure

While hypertension is a very serious concern, we must also keep in mind that hypotension can be problematic as well. Most doctors consider blood pressure too low only if it causes symptoms. Symptoms include dizziness or a lightheaded sensation, nausea, fainting, dehydration and unusual thirst. Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower than 90 mm Hg for your top number or 60 mm Hg for your bottom number. What is considered low blood pressure for you may be normal for someone else.

According to the American College of Cardiology your blood pressure readings can fall between the following categories:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;

• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;

• Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;

• Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;

• Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.

If you have any questions about your blood pressure, what it means or how you can improve it, reach out to me. If you are suffering from severe chest pains or fatigue, you may want to consider contacting a doctor,