Blood vessels are like the highways of the body. They carry blood to where it needs to go, and when the pressure inside those highways remains too high for too long, it can cause extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
That’s why knowing what your blood pressure numbers mean, and their impact, can be an important step toward taking control of your heart health. Understanding your blood pressure can help you take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
One of the challenges with high blood pressure is that it often doesn’t feel like anything at all. There may be no warning signs or obvious symptoms. The only way to know where your blood pressure stands is to have it checked regularly.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. For example, you might see a reading of 120/80. The top number is called systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood throughout your body. The bottom number is called diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. Both numbers play an essential role, each offering perspective on your health story. When combined, they give you the full picture.
At the YMCA of Greater Rochester, we help make that first step easy. Most of our branches offer free, easy-to-use, sit-down blood pressure monitors that are available for all members. It’s a quick and convenient way to check in on your heart health while you’re at the Y.
It’s helpful to consistently check your blood pressure because numbers can change due to a number of reasons — stress, exercise, caffeine intake or even your sitting position. Getting into the habit of checking your blood pressure can help you recognize changes over time and better understand what your body may need.
The next time you visit, we encourage you to give it a try and to explore our Health & Wellness programs as well, designed to help you feel your best, inside and out. Your health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.