Understanding Blood Pressure and Why It Matters

This article was reviewed by Urvashi Hooda, MD, cardiologist at Jackson North Medical Center.

Doctors pay close attention to blood pressure readings because they show how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your body. Blood pressure includes two numbers: systolic pressure, the pressure while your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, the pressure while your heart rests.

If blood pressure stays too high for a long time, it puts extra strain on the heart and arteries. Over time, this can lead to serious problems like stroke, heart attack, or heart failure. Blood pressure that’s too low can also cause you to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or make you faint.

The symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, often go unnoticed. Hypertension can show up as headaches, blurry vision, feeling tired, or shortness of breath.

Tips to Reduce High Blood Pressure

Manage stress
Take a minute, sit comfortably, and practice slow breathing. Inhale for four seconds, hold for six seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Repeat these steps a few times.

Get active
Move your body for at least 30 minutes most days. Walk, swim, cycle, or do any activity you enjoy that raises your heart rate.

Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
Choose low-sodium foods and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Check labels for sodium content and swap very salty foods for healthier alternatives.

Get restful sleep
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, and keep your bedroom dark and cool.

If you have any questions, contact your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or your blood pressure reads 180 over 120 mm Hg or higher, seek medical care immediately. For more information about cardiac care at Jackson Health System, visit JacksonHealth.org.