Everyone needs to know what blood pressure is normal for himself as an effort to prevent hypertension. The reason is that hypertension is still one of the main health problems in the world, including in Indonesia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), normal blood pressure for adults is 120/80 mmHg. The number 120 hhmHg indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart pumps blood throughout the body. While the number 80 mmHg indicates diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart muscle relaxes and receives blood returning from the rest of the body.
Classification of Blood Pressure According to WHO
A person's blood pressure can be classified based on their height. Each classification indicates a heart health condition and the treatment that needs to be given to it. The following is the classification of blood pressure according to WHO:
1. Normal
As previously explained, normal blood pressure according to WHO is less or equal to 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure needs to be maintained every day. The trick is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, starting from eating healthy foods, maintaining an ideal body weight, to exercising regularly.
2. Prehypertension
Blood pressure can reach prehypertension if it is above 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg. Prehypertension conditions have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes and prescription blood pressure-lowering drugs from the doctor may be needed by the patient, so as not to decrease the risk of serious medical conditions.
3. Hypertension
Blood pressure is considered hypertension if it is above 140/90 mmHg. At this stage, the doctor will usually prescribe some combination of blood pressure control drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers, beta blockers, and diuretics. In addition, patients also still have to live a healthy lifestyle in accordance with doctor's recommendations.
Various Tips to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is one of the vital signs of the body that must be monitored regularly. By having normal blood pressure, your body functions will be able to work optimally, and prevent serious health risks due to hypertension.
As an effort to maintain normal blood pressure according to WHO, the Indonesian Ministry of Health provides tips for a healthy lifestyle with CERDIK. Here are tips that you can do:
- Periodic health check
- Get rid of cigarette smoke
- Do physical activity
- Healthy and balanced diet
- Enough rest
- Manage stress well
In addition, you are also encouraged to do a lecture or check your blood pressure at home. Of course, you need to have a sphygmomanometer at home. But in this way, blood pressure control becomes more efficient and practical. But remember, you should first consult with your doctor to get the right tips and instructions in measuring blood pressure at home.
If you don't have a sphygmomanometer at home, don't forget to visit the doctor regularly for a health check, at least once a year. This is important because hypertension can come without any symptoms. However, don't worry, if your blood pressure is indeed high, the doctor will decide what treatment is suitable for dealing with it.