When Should You Worry About Your Blood Pressure?

We speak with Dr Nelson Amaral, consultant cardiologist, at Clementine Churchill Hospital, about everything you need to know about blood pressure. Links: For more information, please visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/ask-the-expert/blood-pressure https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/ambulatory-blood-pressure-recording To find a consultant near you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment Chapters: 01:15: What is normal blood pressure? 01:50: What is the most important number of blood pressure? 02:54: What causes high blood pressure? 04:44: What causes low blood pressure? What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the measure of the force your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is the amount of pressure put on your blood vessels as your blood circulates. What is a normal blood pressure? Even if they've been tested and told the results, many people don't know how the meaning of their blood pressure readings. However, it's important to know what's considered normal or healthy. As a rule, a healthy reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. If your reading is 140 over 90 or above, you are considered to have high blood pressure. Low blood pressure is generally defined as 90/60mmHg or below. This blood pressure chart may help you to understand your own reading further. Which is the most important number in blood pressure? It is believed that systolic pressure, which is the top and higher number, gives a better indication of the risk to your health, and that a higher systolic pressure is more dangerous than having a higher diastolic pressure. However, this is not the case for everyone, and research to date is not exhaustive. You should be concerned if either of your numbers is high. What causes high blood pressure? You have a higher risk of developing hypertension if you: Are over 65 Are overweight Have a family history of hypertension Eat a diet high in salt Don't eat enough fruit and vegetables Don't exercise regularly Drink too much alcohol Have too much caffeine Smoke Don't sleep well/enough About 10% of cases of hypertension are caused by other medical conditions such as hormonal imbalance, kidney disease or diabetes. What can I do to prevent high blood pressure? The best way to prevent hypertension is to maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet. Don't drink too much alcohol or coffee and don't smoke. As blood pressure can go up in times of stress, getting enough sleep and using relaxation techniques can also be useful. If your reading is already high, these tips are a good starting point for how to lower blood pressure. If you want to keep track of your blood pressure yourself, monitors are available to purchase and use safely at home. Since levels can vary throughout the day, readings need to be taken over several intervals, at rest. It's best to keep a diary of your readings. If they are consistently raised, for example, more than 140/90, then consult your doctor. Consultant details: Dr Nelson Amaral is a consultant cardiologist at Clementine Churchill Hospital Clementine Churchill Hospital. Learn more about his expertise: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/consultants/nelson-amaral To see how Clementine Churchill Hospital can help you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/the-clementine-churchill-hospital If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this video, seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on your suggested topics. #highbloodpressure #bloodpressure #hearthealth