Blood Pressure Explained 

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.  There are two measurements: 

1. Systolic, the top value. 

1. Diastolic, the bottom value 

Systolic is where the heart is contracting, therefore the pressure will be higher than the diastolic value.  The diastolic value is when the heart is relaxing.  It is important to keep blood pressure under control because if it is too high it can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, eye problems and kidney failure.  If it is too low it can cause you to feel tired, lightheaded or nausea.   

Ways to help control blood pressure include: 

• Exercise regularly 
• Maintain a healthy bodyweight 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat a healthy diet, high in fibre 
• Drink less alcohol
• Cut down on salt 
• Relaxation to reduce stress. 
• Stop smoking 
• Get enough sleep 
• Take medications as prescribed 

You can use a monitor at home to track your blood pressure, taking it once a week is enough.  The average for a healthy individual is 120/80, those with heart disease may have a slightly higher blood pressure but ideally it would be under 140/90. Those with heart disease will usually be on medication to control their blood pressure, but if they are concerned should contact their GP. 

Ryan Hodgkinson