Here's why you should monitor your blood pressure, keep it in check

An Ottawa pharmacist says blood pressure is a good indicator of overall health, noting the importance of keeping it at healthy rates.

“It is a risk factor for so many things, (including) heart attack, strokes, longevity (and) how long you’re going to live,” Jordan Clark, a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart, told CTV Morning Live Friday.

“We know that high blood pressure over time can have a negative effect on your organs, on your heart, (and) on your blood vessels.”

Making sure your blood pressure is at a healthy rate by frequently measuring it is a good way to prevent those medical conditions, Clark adds, noting that it shouldn’t be too high.

What is blood pressure?

Clark defines blood pressure as a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels (arteries).

“So, if you think about the heart, it’s a muscle. So, it’s pumping. It’s that kind of sound that it makes. When it pumps, that’s the highest number. So, it’s the force of the blood going through your arteries. That’s called your systolic blood pressure. That’s your top number,” he said.

“Your lower number is the diastolic number. That’s when your heart relaxes. That number is always going to be a little bit lower.”

He notes that the numbers vary depending on age, health and other risk factors that you might have. The acceptable range of your pressure is going to be different, based on those factors. You should discuss those factors with your doctor or pharmacist to know your acceptable rate.

What is a normal blood pressure rate?

He says the optimal number is 120/ 80, or lower.

“If you have conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease (or) diabetes, we want that number to be lower than 130, and the bottom number to be lower than 80," he said.

For healthy individuals, a top number below 139-140, and a lower number below 90 are acceptable. However, it’s recommended to keep an eye on it in this case.

“So, typically if you’re getting to 135/ 85, we’re going to suggest that you keep an eye on it. You don’t need to rush to your doctor necessarily, but maybe keep an on it at the pharmacy, at home (or) at the gym,” he said.

Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, Clark says, noting that it tends to be higher in the morning.

He recommends measuring it at different times. He says there are applications that you can use on your phone to keep track of it. Having an idea about how your blood pressure fluctuates can be helpful when you visit your doctor, Clark says.

For lowering your blood pressure, he recommends going for a walk, taking deep breaths and exercising. 

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