The amazing human heart works hard without us even thinking about—it contracts and pushes blood out to the body (up to the head and down to the rest of the body) how many times a minute? A normal range of heart beat is considered 60 to 120 contractions (beats) per minute. A man whose heart beats 80 times/minute x 60minutes =4800 beats per hour x 24 hours=115,200 per day. 115,200 beats per day x 365 days/year=42,048,000 per year x how many years do you expect to live? You get the picture. Our hearts are amazing.
The blood pressure is a measurement of the heart’s workload. A normal blood pressure is below 120/80. The systolic (top number 120) shows the heart at work. The heart contracts and forces blood out into the aorta where it goes to the head and down to the body. The diastolic (bottom number 80) shows the heart at rest (between contractions when it refills with blood and prepares to contract again).
If a person’s blood pressure is high—the pressure inside the aorta (and other large arteries) is high and the heart has to work harder to overcome that pressure and push adequate amount of blood out to the head and body. Doctors recognize that high blood pressure can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart itself, the kidneys, the brain and the eyes.
Everyone should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If your blood pressure is above 120/80, you should consult with your doctor. Many high blood pressure medicines are available by prescription. People who have high blood pressure should work with their doctors to control it and prevent the serious damage that can occur. It’s your choice.
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