If you or your loved one has ever visited a doctor or ended up in the emergency room, you’ve probably noticed that the first thing healthcare providers do is check your vitals—and blood pressure is always on the list. But have you ever wondered why?
Blood pressure plays an important role in your health, especially your heart. But what exactly does it reveal about your body? Is it just a routine check, or does it hold the key to something bigger?
Let’s dive in and understand what blood pressure really means, what is healthy blood pressure and how you can maintain it using simple remedies like Krishna’s BP Care Juice. An ayurvedic supplement made from 5 powerful herbs that naturally help to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Other Ayurvedic Products That Will Help Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
What is Blood Pressure and Why is It Important?
Blood pressure is the measurement of the amount of force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart pumps it uses force to push oxygen-rich blood to your whole body so it can function. This process occurs 60 to 100 times per minute, nonstop, every day.
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates (goes up and down) throughout the day to meet your body’s needs. It changes based on various factors such as your body position, whether you are exercising (it goes up), you are resting or sleeping (it goes down). It can also change with age, due to certain medications etc.
While these variations are normal and natural, having consistent high or low blood pressure over a long period can lead to serious health problems. Chronic high blood pressure can result in heart attack, stroke, and even kidney problems. Whereas chronic low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, and in extreme cases, shock.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
It is measured in two numbers, like 120/80. The top, larger number is called systolic pressure, which shows the force of blood in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood. The bottom, smaller number is called diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Both numbers are recorded in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
What is Considered Healthy Blood Pressure?
People with blood pressure readings of 120/80 mmHg are considered to be in the healthiest range. Keeping your blood pressure under control is vital for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of various diseases mentioned earlier.
But, what is a healthy blood pressure can vary from person to person. Your doctor will help determine your ideal blood pressure based on factors like your overall health. However here is the general guideline :
Category | Systolic (mm/Hg) | Diastolic (mm/Hg) | Health Implication |
Normal blood pressure | Less than 120 | Less than 80 | Ideal blood pressure. Healthy heart and low risk of heart disease or stroke. |
Elevated blood pressure | Between 120 and 129 | Less than 80 | A warning stage. Increased risk of developing hypertension. |
Stage 1 hypertension | Between 130 and 139 | Between 80 and 89 | Early hypertension. Requires lifestyle modifications and possibly medication. |
Stage 2 hypertension | At least 140 | At least 90 | High blood pressure. Requires immediate medical intervention to reduce health risks. |
Hypertensive crisis | Over 180 | Over 120 | Severe high blood pressure indicates a medical emergency. |
Hypotension | Less than 90 | Less than 60 | Low blood pressure. |
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it’s possible to have it without feeling unwell. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is through routine examinations.
Low blood pressure can be problematic if it affects your body or makes you feel unwell.
What causes low blood pressure?
Low BP can occur due to various factors such as resting or sleeping for a prolonged period or standing for a long time without moving (like during your school assembly). Not drinking enough fluids, and certain medications like those for high blood pressure, depression, and heart problems, can also lower your blood pressure too much.
Some heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are extremely low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, or heart attack. Endocrine problems like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and nutritional deficiency like vitamin B12 and folic acid, can prevent your body from producing enough red blood cells, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can develop due to a variety of factors, often related to lifestyle and underlying health conditions. One of the main contributors is an unhealthy diet, especially one that is high in salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, which can cause your blood vessels to narrow and increase the pressure. Lack of physical activity is another major factor; without regular exercise, your heart has to work harder to pump blood, raising blood pressure over time.
Carrying excess weight increases strain on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Chronic stress, improper sleep schedules, and habits like smoking, drinking can also increase your risk of developing High BP. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and hormone disorders like hyperthyroidism, can also contribute to this condition. Genetics play a role too; if your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop it as well.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure?
Achieving and maintaining healthy blood pressure can usually be done with simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
1. Manage Your Diet
Having a well-balanced, healthy diet plays a vital role in maintaining your blood pressure. Especially if you are prone to hypertension, you must pay attention to your sodium/salt intake. A low-sodium diet (less than 2.3 grams per day) is recommended, and following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) can help lower your risk. This is a simple plan that emphasizes consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting the intake of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Exercise helps your heart become stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which reduces the strain on your arteries and keeps your blood pressure in control. A moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, 5 days a week is enough to keep your body and heart at its best.
3. Maintain a Moderate Body Weight
Excess weight or obesity increases your chances of developing high blood pressure. So try to shed off extra weight by combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity. Choose nutrient-dense, high-protein foods, and avoid indulging in unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol and smoking. This will not only help control your blood pressure but also reduce your risk of developing other health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
4. Manage Stress
This is crucial for overall health, as it affects people of all ages. Start your day with 15 minutes of medication and then yoga, and deep breathing to reduce stress and manage emotional challenges. Getting good sleep also helps in lowering stress hormone levels.
Along with the above-mentioned lifestyle changes, make sure that you include Krishna’s BP Care Juice in your daily routine, as it is a natural supplement that not only helps maintain healthy blood pressure but also addresses the underlying causes of high blood pressure.