Understanding the Numbers

When your doctor tells you "your blood pressure is 180 over 95" what does that mean?

The number on top is systolic blood pressure (SBP). This is the amount of pressure exerted against your arteries as your heart pumps.

The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and this is the lowest point of blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure is 120(SBP)/80 (DBP)

Prehypertension is 120-139 (SBP)/ 80-89 (DBP)

Stage 1 High Blood Pressure 140-159 (SBP)/ 90-99 (DBP)

Stage 2 High Blood Pressure 160 (SBP)/ 100 (DBP)

Stress Management for Reducing High Blood Pressure

The human body has three responses to stress;fight,flight or freeze.

This was great when we were being persued by enemy hordes but is can be problematic in the modern world.

Here are five stress reduction techniques you can use.

Goal setting

Pick realistic achievable and these easy wins will help you feel better about yourself.

Meditation

Transdental meditation has been shown to reduce stress. You can learn a non religous approach to this type of meditation can be found in the book The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D.

Pets

Petting a pet has also been scientifically proven to reduce stress.

Exercise

Regular exercise can of course reduce stress as well as lower your weight.

Progressive relaxation

Relaxating your body from head to toe can also reduce stress.

Deep breathing

Controlling your breath is fundamental to stress relief.