What Does 120/80 mmHg Mean?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number): This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. This means that the force of the blood against your artery walls is within a healthy range.
What Happens If My Blood Pressure Is Higher Than 120/80 mmHg?
If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 120/80 mmHg, you may have high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
What Happens If My Blood Pressure Is Lower Than 120/80 mmHg?
If your blood pressure is consistently lower than 120/80 mmHg, you may have low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
How Can I Keep My Blood Pressure At A Healthy Level?
Here are some tips for keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level:
- Eat a healthy diet: Limit your intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help lower your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Don't smoke: Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of high blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol intake: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Get regular checkups: See your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure checked.
It's important to note that this information is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, please consult with your doctor.
