Blood Pressure

Why is Blood Pressure important for your Healthspan?

‍Blood pressure levels are a fundamental indicator of cardiovascular health. Consistently high blood pressure, known as hypertension, can silently damage arteries and organs over time, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range helps protect your arteries, ensures proper blood flow to all tissues, and reduces the likelihood of these serious health events, thereby supporting overall vitality and longevity.

‍What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the measurement of the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries, the vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. It is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure (the top number) represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood out. The diastolic pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Both numbers are important for evaluating cardiovascular health, as they reflect the workload on your heart and the health of your blood vessels.

‍How do we take action?

To maintain healthy blood pressure, one should focus on lifestyle modifications. This includes adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sodium and processed foods. Regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are also important steps. For some individuals, medication may be necessary to achieve target blood pressure levels. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advisable to track progress and adjust strategies, contributing to long-term cardiovascular health.

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