Among the factors that increase the likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure are obesity, anxiety or stress, excessive alcohol intake, excessive salt intake, diabetes, tobacco, and a family history of high blood pressure.
The blood pressure It is the force exerted by blood pumped from the heart against the arterial walls. As explained by Dr. Roberto Perairacardiologist at Clínica Corachan, “if this pressure remains elevated on a sustained basis, we speak of hypertension, and it can cause damage to various parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels or kidney.”
To determine the maximum and minimum blood pressure values, we look at its two components: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure refers to the pressure of the blood when the heart beats when pumping it, and is the highest value obtained. Diastolic pressure is the pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart rests between beats. It is the lowest value obtained.
Levels considered normal
Blood pressure levels vary depending on a person’s age, gender, and general health. The following table provides an overview of blood pressure values in adults:
Category Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) Diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg)
Optimal <120 <80
Normal 120-129 80-84
Normal-high 130-139 85-89
Hypertension >140 >90
how is the arterial pressure measured?
- A specific device called a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) is needed.
- The ideal thing is to be in a quiet room with a temperature of 20-25 ºC.
- You have to be relaxed. Do not drink, eat, smoke, or exercise the half hour before taking your blood pressure.
- Rest five minutes before doing so.
- Sit comfortably with your back against the back of the chair without crossing your legs and removing clothing that may constrict your arm.
- Do not talk while they take your blood pressure.
- Carry out two separate measurements for at least two minutes and keep the result of the average of both. Two or three measurements a week, at different times of the day (morning, afternoon, night) allow you to have a good idea of the degree of pressure control.
- The measurements obtained should be recorded to inform the doctor.
Among the factors that increase the likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure are obesity, anxiety or stress, excessive alcohol intake, excessive salt intake, diabetes, tobacco, and a family history of high blood pressure.
Recommendations for those who suffer from hypertension
- No Smoking. Hypertensive smokers multiply the harmful effect of tobacco.
- If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Avoid high alcohol drinks. It is not beneficial for the heart to drink a glass of wine or a beer every day; You can drink one of these drinks up to 3-4 times a week, on different days.
- Control your weight. Losing weight reduces blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
- Do sport. Regular physical exercise can lower blood pressure levels.
- Reduce salt consumption and eat healthy foods. It is advisable to consume fresh foods and avoid those rich in salt (serrano ham, York ham, turkey or chicken cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, preserves and pre-cooked foods). It is important to read the labels to see the composition of the foods and know if they are healthy and try not to exceed a daily consumption of 3 grams of salt.
- Avoid stress. Lifestyle greatly influences blood pressure.
The Department of Cardiology at Clínica Corachan has a large team of specialists who diagnose and treat risk factors for heart disease.