Lyla Lindsey
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood around your body. It is measured using a machine called a sphygmomanometer, commonly known as a blood pressure monitor. The ideal blood pressure reading varies from person to person, but in most cases, a reading of 140/90mmHg or more is considered high blood pressure. In Australia, adults are advised to have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least once every two years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthy blood pressure reading | Lower than 130/85mmHg |
| High blood pressure reading | 140/90mmHg or more |
| Low blood pressure reading | Below 90/60mmHg |
| Blood pressure measuring device | Sphygmomanometer |
| Blood pressure measuring location | Upper arm |
| Blood pressure measuring frequency | Every 2 years |
| Factors affecting blood pressure | Activity level, emotional state, sleep, body position, breathing, exercise, diet, medication, smoking, drinking alcohol, age, ethnic background, family history, weight |
| Risks of high blood pressure | Heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, eye disease, nerve damage |
| Ways to manage blood pressure | Healthy weight, healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, medication |
| Blood pressure helpline | 1800 022 222 |
| Quitline | 13 7848 |
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What You'll Learn
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Blood pressure is the 'force' that keeps blood moving through your arteries. It is measured using a machine called a sphygmomanometer (commonly known as a blood pressure monitor). A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure.
Systolic blood pressure is the first number on your reading and measures the force of blood as your heart pushes it out. It is the pressure as your heart pumps blood through your arteries, shown as the first number. It is the top number of your blood pressure reading and measures the force of blood against your artery walls while your ventricles (the lower two chambers of your heart) squeeze, pushing blood out to the rest of your body. This period is called "systole". Systolic blood pressure is considered normal when the reading is below 120 mmHg while a person is sitting quietly at rest.
Diastolic blood pressure, the second number, is the force of blood as your heart relaxes and refills. It is the pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between beats, shown as the second number. It measures the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart relaxes and the ventricles are allowed to refill with blood. Diastole is the period of time when your heart relaxes between beats and is also the time that your coronary artery is able to supply blood to your heart. Your diastolic blood pressure reading is a minimum value — the lowest blood pressure during diastole.
Both numbers give important information about your health. However, your healthcare provider might give more importance to high systolic pressure to determine your risk of heart disease. If one or both numbers consistently stay too high, it's called hypertension, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If either number is too high or too low, it can signal a health problem. Doctors always check your blood pressure because it offers important information about your overall condition, especially your heart health.
In Australia, for most people, a healthy or 'normal' blood pressure reading is one that is lower than 130/85mmHg. Australian adults should have their blood pressure checked by their doctor at least every 2 years.
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High blood pressure risk factors
In Australia, a healthy blood pressure reading is considered to be lower than 130/85mmHg. Blood pressure is the force that keeps blood moving through your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is important to have your blood pressure checked at least every two years, starting from the age of 18.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a blood pressure reading of 140/90mmHg or more. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Certain risk factors for high blood pressure are controllable and can be mitigated by adopting healthy habits. However, some factors are beyond our control, such as age and family history.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Age
As you get older, you become more likely to develop high blood pressure. This is because, over time, our blood vessels gradually lose some of their elasticity, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
Family History
If your parents or other close blood relatives have high blood pressure, you are at a higher risk of developing it yourself. This is due to shared genes, behaviours, lifestyles, and environments that can influence health and disease risk.
Race and Ethnicity
Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults, particularly males, have higher rates of high blood pressure. Historical, systemic, cultural, and dietary factors contribute to these differences.
Obesity and Weight
Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart and circulatory system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and other serious health problems. It is also linked to higher levels of "bad" cholesterol and lower levels of "good" cholesterol.
Diet
An unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sodium, can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Healthy eating habits can help manage and prevent high blood pressure.
Physical Activity
Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Regular exercise is beneficial for the heart and circulatory system and can help prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Alcohol Consumption
Regular and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a long-term increase in blood pressure. It can cause heart failure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Smoking
Smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping immediately raises blood pressure for a short period. Tobacco smoking injures blood vessel walls and accelerates the hardening of arteries.
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Blood pressure measurement methods
Blood pressure is the force that keeps blood moving through your arteries (blood vessels) after it leaves your heart. It is measured using a machine called a sphygmomanometer (commonly known as a blood pressure monitor). It consists of an inflatable rubber cuff that goes around the top half of your arm and is connected to a measuring unit. The cuff is inflated until it feels tight, and as the pressure falls, the systolic pressure is recorded when the sound of blood pulsing is first heard. The diastolic pressure is then recorded when the sound stops as the air continues to be released.
There are two types of sphygmomanometers: manual and automated. Manual sphygmomanometers are inflated using a small handheld air pump, while automated sphygmomanometers are inflated by a machine. The auscultatory method using mercury sphygmomanometers is considered the "gold standard" for office blood pressure measurement. However, due to the ban on mercury devices, their use has decreased. New "hybrid" sphygmomanometers have been developed as a replacement for mercury devices.
Another technique for measuring blood pressure is the oscillometric method, which has been used in ambulatory and home monitors. This technique does not require a transducer to be placed over the brachial artery and is less susceptible to external noise. However, it does not work well during physical activity due to movement artifacts. It is important to note that different brands of oscillometric recorders use different algorithms, and there is no generic technique.
In addition to using monitors, blood pressure can also be measured manually using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. Blood pressure readings can be taken at home using automated devices or at a healthcare provider's office, pharmacies, or even fire stations. It is recommended to take readings at the same time each day, and one should avoid tobacco, caffeine, and exercise 30 minutes before taking a reading.
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Lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure
In Australia, a healthy blood pressure reading is generally considered to be lower than 130/85mmHg. Blood pressure is the force that keeps blood moving through your arteries, and it can fluctuate throughout the day depending on factors such as your general health and activity levels. While there is no cure for high blood pressure, making certain lifestyle changes can help to manage it and improve your quality of life. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure:
Healthy Eating
Adopting a heart-healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables and choosing foods low in salt. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure. It involves reducing your sodium intake and increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Weight Loss
Losing weight, if you are overweight, can help to lower your blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Regular Physical Activity
Increasing your physical activity levels can help to lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, on most days of the week. Regular exercise can help to strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation.
Reducing Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Reducing your alcohol intake can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of hypertension. It is recommended to limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels or lower.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for high blood pressure and can increase your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Quitting smoking can help to improve your overall cardiovascular health and lower your blood pressure.
Managing Stress
Stress can temporarily increase your blood pressure, and finding healthy ways to manage it can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. This may include practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare team when making lifestyle changes to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for you. They may also prescribe medication in addition to lifestyle changes to help manage your blood pressure effectively.
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When to seek medical attention
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can cause health problems. It usually does not cause any symptoms, so it's important to have regular blood pressure checks. About 1 in every 3 Australian adults has high blood pressure.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, see your doctor. Australian adults should have their blood pressure checked by their doctor at least every 2 years. Your doctor may also check your blood pressure as part of a Heart Health Check. This happens from:
- 30 years onwards for people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- 45 years onwards for everyone else
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems. If left untreated, it can lead to heart conditions and cardiovascular diseases.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Sudden muscle weakness
- Vision changes
- Problems talking
If your blood pressure reading is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, it is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis, and you should seek emergency medical help.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be an indication of high blood pressure, and you should see your doctor:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Pressure in the head like a balloon being blown up
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
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Frequently asked questions
A good blood pressure reading is generally considered to be anything below 130/85mmHg.
If you are 18 or over, it is recommended that you get your blood pressure checked at least every two years. If you are 45 or older, you should get it checked annually as part of a Heart Health Check.
The most common way to measure blood pressure is via a sphygmomanometer, which involves an inflatable cuff that wraps around your upper arm. You can get your blood pressure checked by a doctor or nurse, or you can use a home blood pressure monitor.
High blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms, which is why it is important to get regular check-ups. However, it can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
There are several ways to manage your blood pressure, including maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol consumption. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend medication to help lower your blood pressure.
