What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers (e.g. 120/80). The larger number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart squeezes out blood during each beat. This is referred to as systolic blood pressure. The lower number indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes before the next beat. It is called the diastolic blood pressure.
Normal: Under 120/80 is considered to be a normal range for blood pressure.
Not Normal: Between 120/80 and 130/80 is elevated but not yet considered high blood pressure. This needs to be watched carefully.
High: More than 130/80.
Blood pressure varies
It’s best to measure blood pressure when you’re relaxed and sitting or lying down.
Blood pressure does not stay the same all the time. It’s always changing to meet your body’s needs and depending on your physical situation.
If a reading is high, your doctor may measure your blood pressure again on several occasions to confirm the level.
Why does your blood pressure matter?
Managing high blood pressure can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing the risk and effect of related health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
It’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly because high blood pressure can be present without any symptoms or signs. You can have high blood pressure and feel perfectly well. Many people live with high blood pressure (and take medication for it), but there are ways to help lower your blood pressure.
What can you do to maintain a healthy blood pressure?
At GenesisCare we look beyond treatment to your overall well-being. Your GenesisCare team can recommend steps you can take to help maintain a healthy blood pressure or reduce your blood pressure if it is high.
-
Quit smoking
-
Reduce the fat in your diet (especially saturated fat) and salt intake
-
Maintain a healthy weight
-
Exercise regularly
-
Limit alcohol intake
If you do have high blood pressure, it’s best to have it checked more frequently, or as advised by your doctor.
Meet our doctors
- General Cardiologists | Interventional Cardiologists | Cardiac Imaging Specialists | Heart Failure Specialists
We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of heart disease.
To give you the best care we can, we have the largest group of privately practicing cardiologists in Australia.
Read next
New Cardiac Investigations Unit offers high-quality heart care close to home
A new Cardiac Investigation Unit (CIU) is now open at Hervey Bay Hospital, allowing better access to early...
Cardiology services
We bring together leading experts, the best technology and the latest tests and procedures to ensure each person...