Know Your Numbers: Why Your Blood Pressure Matters

This week is Know Your Numbers Week, so I’m checking my clients’ blood pressure during their sessions.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body.

When your blood pressure is measured, you’ll usually be given two numbers:

Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood.

Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

You’ll often see this written as something like 120/80 mmHg.

Your blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day and can be affected by things such as exercise, stress, caffeine and even what you’re doing or feeling at the time.

That’s why one reading doesn’t necessarily tell us the whole story.

Why does blood pressure matter?

Blood pressure that’s consistently too high puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.

Over time, this can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke.

The tricky thing is that high blood pressure often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms.

You can feel completely well and still have high blood pressure.

That’s why knowing your numbers is important.

What can affect your blood pressure?

There isn’t one single reason someone develops high blood pressure. There are a number of factors that can contribute.

These include:

• Carrying excess weight

• Chronic stress

• Lack of regular exercise

• Eating too much salt

• Not eating enough fruit and vegetables

• Drinking too much alcohol

• Smoking

• Too much caffeine

• Family history

Some of these are things we have control over, and some aren’t.

Having a family history, for example, doesn’t mean you’re destined to have high blood pressure. It simply means it’s another reason to be aware of your numbers and look after the things you can influence.

What can we do to support healthy blood pressure?

This is where lifestyle plays an important role.

Move regularly.

Regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training can support cardiovascular health. You don’t need to be an athlete, but consistent movement matters.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Carrying excess weight can increase the strain placed on your cardiovascular system, so maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial for your overall health.

Eat well.

A diet based around whole foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables, adequate protein and sensible amounts of salt can support your health and blood pressure.

Manage stress.

Chronic stress can have an impact on your health and can contribute to raised blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress is therefore just as important as getting your training sessions in.

Prioritise sleep.

Good quality sleep is an important part of cardiovascular and overall health.

Keep alcohol sensible and don’t smoke.

Both can negatively affect cardiovascular health and blood pressure.

And most importantly, know your numbers.

So, what is a healthy blood pressure?

Blood pressure isn’t simply a case of having one “perfect” number.

It can vary between people and throughout the day, and healthcare professionals will consider your readings alongside your overall health and circumstances.

If you have concerns about your blood pressure, or you’re consistently getting readings that are higher than recommended, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

Don’t diagnose yourself from a single reading.

Why I’m checking my clients’ blood pressure

As a PT, I don’t just want to know how much weight you can lift or how many steps you’re doing.

I want to help you look after your health as a whole.

That’s why I consider Movement, Nutrition, Mindset, Sleep and Resilience when working with my clients.

Blood pressure is another useful piece of information.

It isn’t something to be scared of or something that defines your health.

It’s simply information.

And once you know your numbers, you have the opportunity to take action.

You can’t change what you don’t know about.

So, know your numbers, look after your health and give yourself the best chance of staying strong, active and healthy for years to come.