1. What is Blood Pressure?

Definition: Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood.

Measurement: Expressed as two numbers (e.g., 120/80 mmHg) where the first number is systolic pressure and the second is diastolic pressure.

2. Blood Pressure Categories

The American Heart Association defines these categories:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120-129/less than 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
• Low Blood Pressure: Below 90/60 mmHg

3. Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring

Details: Regular monitoring helps detect hypertension early, which is crucial since high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure readings to check your category.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a normal blood pressure?
A: Normal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mmHg.

Q2: When should I be concerned about my blood pressure?
A: Consult a doctor if your reading is consistently 130/80 or higher, or below 90/60.

Q3: How often should I check my blood pressure?
A: Healthy adults should check at least once every 2 years; those with risk factors more frequently.

Q4: Can one high reading mean I have hypertension?
A: No, diagnosis requires multiple elevated readings on different days.

Q5: What affects blood pressure readings?
A: Stress, caffeine, exercise, medications, and time of day can all affect readings.