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The heart, pulsating motor of our organism, it is an extraordinary organ that works tirelessly. Indeed, with its continuous pumping work, carries blood rich in oxygen and other nutrients to all organs, tissues and cells of the body. At the same time, it sends blood containing carbon dioxide to the lungs to be expelled.
These are important functions that allow us to stay alive. It is therefore easy to imagine how much the proper functioning of the entire cardiovascular system is essential to stay healthy and prevent all those pathologies – such as hypertension, stroke or ischemic heart disease – all too often the cause of death.
How can we intervene? Much depends on what we can do in terms of prevention, for example to measure regularly blood pressure.
What’s this
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries.
Specifically, when a heartbeat occurs, blood exits the left ventricle and then spreads to the arteries. The highest blood pressure (also called systolic or maximum) occurs at the time the heart contracts and pumps blood in the arteries. On the other hand, the lowest blood pressure (also called diastolic or minimum), is recorded when, between one beat and the next, the heart fills with blood.
How it is measured
There blood pressure its unit of measurement is millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is measured at the level of the artery of the arm. To measure it, the doctor uses one specific instrument that bears the name of sphygmomanometer, while various digital devices are available for self-measurement. However, it is important to compare the measurement of blood pressure carried out at home with the precise one carried out by your GP.
For blood pressure measurement, there are two numbers indicating the respectively systolic or maximum blood pressure is the diastolic or minimum, for example 100/80 mmHg.
In general, blood pressure can be affected by variations during the day. For example, it could increase or decrease based on the situations and emotions we are experiencing. Also any physical strain o environmental conditions can cause changes in blood pressure values.
Because of this, it is better to wait about an hour before measuring blood pressure if you have been subjected to physical exertion, if you have just eaten or drunk for example drinks such as coffee or tea, if you have taken medications or if you are in the midst of a stressful situation.
that’s how take the measurement blood pressure correctly:
- sit back and relax;
- free the arm from clothing or objects that can tighten;
- on a flat surface, place your arm straight with the palm facing up and at heart level;
- let your doctor take your blood pressure measurement.
If, on the other hand, you are using a digital device, wear the bracelet around your arm and follow the instructions given in the user manual. To execute two measurements at one or two minute intervals. Finally, it is necessary to take note of the measured values and report them to the doctor for an accurate evaluation.
What are the optimal blood pressure values
Below are the reference parameters according to the classification reported in the 2018 Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Hypertension.
| Category | Systolic or maximum pressure | Diastolic or minimum blood pressure |
| Optimal | <120 | <80 |
| Normal | 120-129 | 80-84 |
| Normal – High | 130-139 | 85-89 |
| Grade 1 hypertension | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Grade 2 hypertension | 160-179 | 100-109 |
| Grade 3 hypertension | ≥180 | ≥110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension | ≥140 | ≤90 |
These are values from take as a reference for adults, that is, ages 18 and up. In general, blood pressure tends to increase with the years, so the systolic pressure increases, while the diastolic pressure remains unchanged or decreases (as in the case of isolated systolic hypertension, more frequent in elderly people).
With regard to the developmental age, more than universal blood pressure values we must speak of blood pressure percentiles based on age, sex and height centile, so each situation must be assessed on a case by case basis.
Tips to reduce the risk of hypertension
The first tip is to measure blood pressure regularly. Often, in fact, hypertension (high blood pressure) does not manifest itself through particular symptoms, so the risk is to be hypertensive without being aware of it. Otherwise, this pathology can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases also serious, including heart failure and heart attack, but also stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, aneurysms. In addition, it is good:
To protect the heart and keep pathologies that may affect it well away, just monitor its operation. And the first step is precisely constituted by the constant measurement of blood pressure: a small gesture that can save our lives.
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