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Blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the blood exerts
against the walls of the arteries in the body. Raised blood pressure
is a major risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease. It can also lead to
kidney failure and eye damage.
What do the numbers mean?
The higher number is known as the
‘systolic’ blood pressure and is the
pressure in millimetres of mercury
(mmHg) when the heart is contracting
or pumping blood out into the arteries.
The lower number is known as the
‘diastolic’ blood pressure and is the
pressure in mmHg when the heart is
resting or filling between contractions.
The two measurements are usually
written as systolic/diastolic, e.g. 120/80
and expressed as 120 over 80.
What causes blood pressure
to change?
Blood pressure is a very dynamic
measurement which can change rapidly.
There are a number of factors which can
influence your blood pressure including
stress, alcohol consumption, medication,
emotions, posture (lying or sitting),
exercise, smoking, caffeine and
biomedical factors.
Lifestyle changes for reducing
blood pressure
What is a desirable
blood pressure?
• Achieve and maintain a healthy body
weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.99).
• Be smoke free.
• Limit your alcohol intake to no more
than two drinks per day and have at
least two alcohol free days per week.
• Be physically active for 30 minutes
or more on all or most days.
• Enjoy healthy eating. Choose mainly
vegetables, fruits and legumes
(beans, lentils) and wholegrain foods
(bread, pasta) as well as moderate
amounts of lean meat and fish and
reduced fat dairy products. Limit
saturated fats but include moderate
amounts of polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated fats.
In healthy individuals the systolic value
should be 120 mmHg or below and the
diastolic value 80 mmHg or below.
Treatment for high blood
pressure (hypertension)
Sometimes the only way to lower blood
pressure and reduce your health risks is
through medication, although doctors
will generally look for nonpharmacological measures to manage
blood pressure first. There are a
number of lifestyle modifications that
may assist in reducing blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Normal
Borderline
High
<_ 120
121 – 139
>
_ 140
Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Normal
Borderline
High
_< 80
81 – 89
>
_ 90
It is important to have your blood
pressure checked at least every six to
12 months and even more frequently
if it is above normal.
For more information visit the following websites:
www.aihw.gov.au/high-blood-pressure/
www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiovascular-conditions/Pages/blood-pressure.aspx
HI-1139 18/06/15