Guide to Interpreting Blood Pressure Readings

The heart's role is to circulate blood throughout the body, delivering nutrients and oxygen. The force exerted during this process is called blood pressure (BP). High BP, or hypertension, is a serious condition linked to various health issues. Blood pressure readings have two components: systolic (heart contraction) and diastolic (heart relaxation). Accurate measurement is essential since high BP often shows no symptoms but can cause long-term damage. Monitoring regularly helps prevent heart, kidney, eye problems, and brain complications. Maintaining BP within normal ranges is vital for overall health.

Experts recommend weekly BP checks, especially for at-risk individuals. Understanding a high blood pressure chart aids in recognizing healthy versus risky levels. Systolic pressure indicates the maximum pressure during heartbeats, while diastolic shows the minimum. Keeping values below 120/80 mmHg ensures good health. Higher readings suggest pre- hypertension, stage 1, or stage 2 hypertension, requiring medical intervention and lifestyle modifications. Severe spikes demand immediate attention to prevent emergencies like hypertensive crises—characterized by readings of 180/110 mmHg or higher—and require urgent medical care.