Blood Pressure Explained: The Numbers, the Risks, and the Myths

My patients at Helal Medical Manila, usually, ask: “Doctor, what do these blood pressure numbers mean?”
It’s is more than just a pair of readings. It’s one of the most important indicators of your heart’s health.

In this article, we’ll explain how to understand your blood pressure. We will discuss what normal values should be. We will also explain what causes high or low readings and how to keep your numbers healthy.

What Is Blood Pressure?

It is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s expressed in two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (top number) is the pressure when your heart contracts.
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure when your heart relaxes.

For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means:

• 120 = pressure during heartbeat (systolic)
• 80 = pressure between beats (diastolic)

Normal and Abnormal Ranges

Source: American Heart Association

Consistently high readings indicate that your heart is working harder than it should. This is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

Why High Is Dangerous?

Hypertension) is often called the “silent killer.” Some persons, do not feel symptoms until damage has already occurred.

Untreated hypertension can lead to:

• Heart attack and stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Vision problems
• Cognitive decline in later years

At Helal Medical, we emphasize regular BP monitoring — even if you feel healthy.

Common Causes of Hypertension

High BP can result from lifestyle, genetics, or medical conditions.
Common factors include:

• Excess salt or fatty food intake
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Stress
• Smoking and alcohol
• Diabetes or kidney disease
• Family history of hypertension

Sometimes, no specific cause is found, this is called essential hypertension.

How to Keep Blood Pressure in Control

Controlling BP doesn’t always require medication — lifestyle changes are powerful tools.
Here are doctor-recommended steps:

1. Reduce salt and processed foods.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
3. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
6. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
7. Take prescribed medications consistently.

Helal Medical offers blood pressure checks and doctor consultations for patients with uncontrolled or fluctuating readings.

Common Myths

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

• ❌ “I feel fine, so my blood pressure must be normal.”
  → High BP often causes no symptoms.
• ❌ “Only old people get hypertension.”
  → Even young adults can have high BP, especially with stress and poor diet.
• ❌ “I can stop my medication once my BP is normal.”
  → Only stop or adjust meds under medical supervision.

Regular follow-up is key; your doctor can adjust your treatment as needed.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent headache or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds with high BP readings

A blood pressure check is quick, painless, and available anytime at Helal Medical Manila.

Summary

Blood pressure tells an important story about your heart’s health. Understanding your numbers — and acting early — can protect you from serious complications.

At Helal Medical, we help patients check, control, and manage their BP through education, lifestyle counseling, and professional care. Remember, it’s easier to prevent hypertension than to treat its complications.

Helpful External Links:

• American Heart Association – Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
• World Health Organization – Hypertension Facts
• Mayo Clinic – High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)