What is your blood pressure? Do you know that your current lifestyle causes high blood pressure in the future? What can you do to maintain your blood pressure under control?

Blood pressure is the force blood exerts against blood vessel walls. It can be measured using an inflatable rubber cuff wrapped around the upper arm and connected to an apparatus that records pressure which is called as a sphygmomanometer. There are two readings obtained. For example 120/80. The first number is called your systolic blood pressure, which indicates blood pressure during the heartbeat (systole), and the second number is called diastolic blood pressure, which shows your blood pressure while the heart is relaxed (diastole).

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (2017 Guideline) identifies that the normal blood pressure level has a systolic of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic of less than 80 mm Hg. Different factors contribute to hypertension. One of which is the factors you can control. Your diet! Salt or sodium can elevate blood pressure in some people, especially people with diabetes, those with severe hypertension, and older people. Take note that excess fat in the bloodstream can create deposits of cholesterol on the internal walls of blood vessels also known as atherosclerosis.

People who are overweight and obese are liable to have high blood pressure. Scientific studies suggest that increasing the intake of potassium and calcium may lower blood pressure. Smoking and taking in secondhand smoke are related to a higher risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Also, too much consumption of alcoholic drinks and lack of physical activity can increase blood pressure. Let's not wait for high blood pressure to develop before taking useful steps. A healthy lifestyle is a must. Taking care of our bodies now will result in a better quality of life in the future.