Control Your Blood Pressure Before It Controls You

Friday Health Tip: Control Your Blood Pressure Before It Controls You

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a common but serious condition affecting many adults today. It is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs. Uncontrolled BP can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems.

Regular monitoring and simple lifestyle changes can help you stay safe and healthy.

When you check your blood pressure using a digital monitor, you will see three main readings:

SYS (Systolic) – DIA (Diastolic) – PULSE (BPM)

Understanding these numbers helps you take better control of your heart health.

🔴 1. What is Systolic Pressure (SYS)?

Systolic pressure is the top number in your BP reading.

It measures the pressure inside your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood to the rest of your body.

Example:
If your BP reading is 130/85 mmHg,
130 is your systolic pressure.

Normal Systolic Range:

• Ideal: 90–120 mmHg

• Borderline: 121–139

• High: 140 or above

High systolic pressure increases the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Kidney damage

• Artery stiffness

In older adults, systolic pressure tends to increase due to natural artery stiffening.

🔵 2. What is Diastolic Pressure (DIA)?

Diastolic pressure is the bottom number.

It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

In 130/85,
85 is the diastolic pressure.

Normal Diastolic Range:

• Ideal: 60–80 mmHg

• Borderline: 81–89

• High: 90 or above

High diastolic pressure means your blood vessels are under constant strain, even when the heart is resting.

💓 3. What is Pulse (BPM)?

Pulse means Beats Per Minute (BPM).

It shows how many times your heart beats in one minute.

Normal Resting Pulse:

• Adults: 60–100 BPM

• Athletes: 50–60 BPM (can be normal)

• Above 100 BPM: Called Tachycardia

• Below 60 BPM (if not athletic): Called Bradycardia

Pulse may increase due to:

• Fever

• Stress or anxiety

• Dehydration

• Thyroid problems

• Anaemia

📊 Complete Blood Pressure Categories

Category	Systolic	Diastolic
Normal	<120	<80
Elevated	120–129	<80
Stage 1 Hypertension	130–139	80–89
Stage 2 Hypertension	140+	90+
Hypertensive Crisis	180+	120+

If your reading is 180/120 or higher, seek immediate medical care.

✅ Important DO’s Before Checking BP

✔ Rest for 5 minutes before measurement
✔ Sit with back supported and feet flat on floor
✔ Keep arm at heart level
✔ Empty bladder before test
✔ Take readings at the same time daily

❌ DON’Ts

✘ Don’t measure immediately after climbing stairs
✘ Avoid tea/coffee 30 minutes before test
✘ Don’t talk during measurement
✘ Don’t panic if one reading is high — recheck after 5 minutes

Regular monitoring helps detect problems early.

At Perambalur City Pharmacy, operated by NexGen-Pharmulery Private Limited, we provide accurate BP monitoring, genuine medicines, and professional pharmacist counselling to help you understand and manage your blood pressure safely.

Your heart works 24/7 — take care of it every day.

• ✅ DO’s for Healthy Blood Pressure

✔ Check your BP regularly (at least once a month if above 30 years).
✔ Reduce salt intake – limit pickles, chips, and processed foods.
✔ Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
✔ Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily (walking is excellent).
✔ Maintain a healthy weight.
✔ Take prescribed BP medicines regularly without skipping.
✔ Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

❌ DON’Ts to Avoid

✘ Do not ignore frequent headaches or dizziness.
✘ Do not stop BP medication without consulting your doctor.
✘ Avoid excessive tea, coffee, alcohol, and smoking.
✘ Avoid high-salt fast foods and packaged snacks.
✘ Do not rely only on symptoms — BP can be high even if you feel normal.

If your BP reading is consistently above 140/90 mmHg, consult a doctor immediately.

At Perambalur City Pharmacy, operated by NexGen Pharmulery Private Limited, we provide professional BP monitoring, genuine medicines, and pharmacist counselling to help you manage your health effectively.

Visit us today for a quick BP check and expert guidance.

Your health is your wealth — monitor today, prevent tomorrow.