Blood pressure (BP) is a vital sign of your heart health. When it’s too high or too low, it can cause serious health issues—some immediate, some long-term. Understanding what’s normal, what’s risky, and how to manage your BP can literally save your life.
🧪 What is Blood Pressure?
The force of blood pressing against your artery walls is known as blood pressure. Two numbers are used to record it and it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg):
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom): Heart pressure during the interval between heartbeats
Normal BP: Around 120/80 mmHg
🚨 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
What Is It?
Hypertension means your blood pressure is consistently too high — usually 140/90 mmHg or above.
Common Causes:
- Stress
- Obesity
- High salt intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking or alcohol
- Kidney problems
- Genetics
Symptoms:
Often called the “silent killer”, high BP usually has no BP symptoms. But when very high, it may cause:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Vision problems
Dangers:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Eye damage
- Memory loss
⚠️ Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
What Is It?
Hypotension occurs when your blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg.
Common Causes:
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart problems
- Endocrine disorders
- Certain medications
- Sudden standing (postural hypotension)
Symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Cold, pale skin
- Nausea
Dangers:
- Falls and injury
- Shock (in extreme cases)
- Decreased oxygen to organs
🛡️ How to Manage High or Low BP
For High BP:
- Reduce salt and processed foods
- Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress (meditation, yoga)
- Limit alcohol, avoid smoking
- Take prescribed medication regularly
For Low BP:
- Drink more water
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid standing up quickly
- Wear compression stockings (if recommended)
- Add more salt to your diet (if doctor approves)
- Treat the underlying cause (e.g., anemia, infection)
📊 Quick BP Level Chart
| Category | Systolic / Diastolic |
|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 / < 80 mmHg |
| Elevated | 120–129 / < 80 mmHg |
| High (Stage 1) | 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg |
| High (Stage 2) | 140+ / 90+ mmHg |
| Hypertensive Crisis | 180+ / 120+ mmHg |
| Low BP | < 90 / < 60 mmHg |
🧠 The Road Ahead
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can help prevent serious health risks. Whether you struggle with high BP or low BP, the key is balance—through healthy lifestyle choices, regular checkups, and early treatment.
Take care of your heart, and it will take care of you.
