The Nutrition Network details blood pressure readings for four general categories, and highlights the importance of understanding hypertension.
Persistently elevated blood pressure characterises hypertension or high blood pressure. This article is writen by the Nutrition Network, an online accredited education, connection, and learning platform founded by The Noakes Foundation. This article details the blood pressure readings for four general categories. It highlights the importance of understanding hypertension. Readers are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked because this “silent killer” does not usually cause noticeable symptoms.
The Importance of understanding Hypertension
On 17 May every year, we honour World Hypertension Day at Nutrition Network.
On 17th May the destructive effects of hypertension/high blood pressure are highlighted.
Hypertension affects the body’s arteries. As a result, if your blood pressure is high, it means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood. Blood pressure is usually measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Therefore, hypertension is diagnosed by a blood pressure reading of a rate of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divides blood pressure into four general categories.
Blood Pressure Readings:
Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mmHg, or the bottom numbe is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg, or the bottom nuber is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension. The top nuber is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher,
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide have high blood pressure and most of them live in low- and middle-income countries .
A blood pressure test by your healthcare provider will determine if you have a higher-than-normal blood pressure reading. More often than not, you won’t experience any major symptoms and would need to have it checked. Your healthcare provider or doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and any symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Here is a 101 list of carbohydrate-restricted eating tips that have been shown to reduce insulin, blood pressure, and overall body weight:
Avoid added sugar
Avoid grains and starches
Choose real, whole and unprocessed foods – the less packaging and processing, the better
Eat a variety of animal-based foods and brightly coloured vegetables.
Credits
Image – Jesse Orrico