Why Should You Regularly Check Your Blood Pessure?

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the body's blood as it flows through its arteries. It serves as a gauge of the heart's exertions in pumping blood throughout the body. Keep reading to learn how to measure your blood pressure using a blood pressure monitor.

Understanding your pressure readings

Measuring blood pressure involves using these two figures:

- The systolic pressure, which is higher, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- The diastolic pressure, which is lower, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest in between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).

Although 120/80 mmHg is usually accepted as the normal blood pressure range, the ideal range might change depending on age, sex, and general health. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can result in light-headedness, fainting, and shock, while high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause significant health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

How do you keep your blood pressure healthy?

For overall health and to lower the likelihood of developing major health issues, it is crucial to maintain healthy blood pressure. Here are some pointers for maintaining healthy blood pressure:

Eat a healthy diet

You can lower your blood pressure by consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins. Equally, reducing processed meals, sugary beverages, and sodium (salt) can also be beneficial.

Exercise regularly

Frequent exercise can aid in maintaining appropriate blood pressure levels. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-intensity exercise.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity and being overweight can make you more likely to get high blood pressure. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure. Males should restrict their daily alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks, while women should limit their daily alcohol consumption to no more than one drink.

Quit smoking

Smoking raises blood pressure and raises the chance of having a heart attack and stroke. Smoking cessation can lower these risks.

Manage stress

Stress can raise blood pressure. You can maintain a healthy blood pressure range by reducing stress through exercise, meditation, or counselling.

Check your blood pressure regularly

Regular blood pressure checks can help detect any changes and, if necessary, enable early intervention. Make sure to monitor your blood pressure as your doctor has instructed.

What’s the ideal blood pressure?

Getting a test

Measure your blood pressure to determine whether it is normal, high, or low.  This is a recommended step to take.

Adults in England who are 40 to 74 years old are eligible for an NHS Health Check, which includes this test, every five years.

Know your numbers

- Ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
- High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher.
- Low blood pressure is considered to be below 90/60mmHg.

There are a number of places where you can check your blood pressure, including:

- Some pharmacies.
- Your local GP surgery.
- Some workplaces.

You can also check your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. Visit chemist.net to monitor your blood pressure at home. You can also get a blood pressure check at one of our Knights Pharmacy branches.

Shop Now

This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.