Healthy adults should have a blood pressure level of 120/80 mmHg or closer to it. This is considered the "normal" blood pressure range, but did you know that sometimes even this normal blood pressure can be dangerous? Let's understand from an expert.
When you go to a clinic or get your BP checked at a chemist's shop and are told that it is normal, you feel relieved and the matter ends there, but normal BP no longer means what it used to mean once. Sometimes even a normal reading can put you at risk in the future. Let us understand from an expert what you should understand and pay attention to even when your BP is in the normal range. Dr. Anup Taksande, Clinical Director - Cardiology and Cardiac Interventions, KIMS Hospitals, Thane is giving information on this.
How can normal BP be dangerous?
- First, you need to understand that blood pressure doesn't suddenly jump from normal to dangerous. It increases gradually. A level between 130/80 is often a precarious situation. The mistake we make here is to ignore it, considering it a borderline, but this isn't entirely accurate.
- Over time, these levels can also harden the arteries and force the heart to work harder than normal.
- It's also important to note that this risk isn't the same for everyone. It's possible that two people may have the same blood pressure readings, but their risk may be different.
- A sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress, lack of sleep, or a family history of heart disease can all disrupt this balance. Therefore, it's not right to assume one reading is normal for everyone; it depends on many other factors, which need to be discussed with a doctor.
- The symptoms of high blood pressure don't appear immediately. There are no warning signs. Often, by the time it's detected, it has already affected many parts of the body.
- Along with maintaining normal blood pressure readings, pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. Limit your salt intake, ensure physical activity, get adequate sleep, and avoid stress.
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