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The Importance of Blood Pressure
Your heart plays a vital role in pumping blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. This process involves the force of blood against the walls of your arteries, which is known as blood pressure.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
There are two readings used to measure blood pressure:
- Systolic Pressure: This is the higher number that measures the force of blood being pushed around your body when your heart contracts.
- Diastolic Pressure: This is the lower number that measures the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
It's important to monitor both numbers to have a comprehensive understanding of your blood pressure.
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure is consistently higher than it should be. This condition can have detrimental effects on your health.
One of the major consequences of high blood pressure is the damage it causes to your arteries. It reduces their stretchiness and leads to the build-up of fatty deposits. This restricts the circulation of blood and oxygen, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
What makes high blood pressure particularly dangerous is that it often presents no symptoms. This means that it can go unnoticed for a long time, causing silent damage to your cardiovascular system.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can affect anyone, and there are several factors that contribute to its development:
- Excessive Salt Consumption: Consuming too much salt in your diet can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can also raise your blood pressure levels.
- Being Overweight: Carrying excess weight puts strain on your heart, leading to increased blood pressure.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Not being active enough can contribute to high blood pressure.
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. It is essential to prioritize your cardiovascular health.
Make sure to:
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly to stay informed about your levels.
- Adopt a healthy diet that is low in salt and rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Lead an active lifestyle by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Support Life-Saving Research
The British Heart Foundation funds vital research to further our understanding of blood pressure and develop life-saving treatments. By supporting this research, you contribute to the fight against heart and circulatory diseases.
To find out more about the life-saving research we fund, visit BHS.org.uk/bloodpressure.
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