Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood flowing through your body which is pumped through by the heart. When this force exceeds the standard limit which is considered safe, the resulting condition is known as high blood pressure. There are varying levels of high blood pressure on a high blood pressure chart, and it is estimated that around 80 to 90 million people in the country suffer a variety of health problems due to this condition. These estimates are alarming because, among three adults over the age of 20, one of them is suffering from high blood pressure in the total count.

Before we can try and understand how to read a high blood pressure chart, it is important to understand the five main types of blood pressure:

It is important to understand the two categories of levels which indicate blood pressure, namely systolic and diastolic levels. Systolic levels are the numbers in the upper section which indicates how much pressure is being put on the walls of any artery when the heart pumps blood. Diastolic levels, however, are the numbers in the lower section which indicate the pressure on the walls in between heartbeats. So, both during heartbeats and in between, the upper and lower numbers together will indicate the overall blood pressure levels.

Normal blood pressure: The standard range for blood pressure as calculated by medical associations is 120/80 mmHg. People who follow a lifestyle including a well-balanced diet and exercise will never have any problems relating to high blood pressure. This is the standard limit set for understanding the proper range of the analysis of a high blood pressure chart.

Early stage high blood pressure: Also known as prehypertension, this field is constantly shifting from 120–139/80–89 mmHg. The first stage high blood pressure is a cause for concern since these are the initial indicators of a developing high blood pressure. The systolic and diastolic levels will indicate the fluctuating levels on any high blood pressure chart.

Hypertension stage 1: Hypertension stage 1 is where things get elevated. The systolic and diastolic readings for blood pressure, in this case, would be in the high range of 140–159/90–99 mmHg which is real cause for worry. Hypertension stage 1 will progress to even higher levels on any high blood pressure chart in no time if proper medical attention is not given. Hypertension can be cured by making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the building pressure.

Hypertension stage 2: Hypertension stage 2 is a severe condition where the blood pressure is constantly above 160/100 mmHg which exerts tremendous pressure on the artery walls and is not at all a good sign. At this stage, medication is required along with changes in the lifestyle, diet, and exercise to avoid further complications.

Hypertensive crisis: At this juncture, intensive medical care is needed because the systolic and diastolic levels are way beyond normal in the range of 180/110 mmHg on a high blood pressure chart. A number of health problems arise due to high blood pressure including a headache, blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain, among others.

High blood pressure is known to be the silent killer because the symptoms often cannot be diagnosed or linked to the condition easily. Even if the symptoms can be linked or diagnosed in time, it becomes very difficult for people to incorporate lifestyle changes that are necessary to control the situation.

To summarize the five levels, systolic and diastolic in the range of 120/80 mmHg on any high blood pressure chart will indicate normal level with no drastic changes to be made. 120–139/80–89 and 140–159/90–99 mmHg are developing signs of high blood pressure. This should be followed with regular check-ups with your doctor who will recommend a course of treatment. However, 160/100 mmHg or anything higher than this level, would indicate that the person experiencing these levels would require emergency care and attention with a proper course of medication along with diet and exercise routine.

Here are a few natural home remedies to keep that high blood pressure in control, to not exceed the level mentioned on a high blood pressure chart. It is simpler to keep track and follow your progress now that you know exactly what can be expected from different stages.

• Decrease your salt intake because the sodium levels in your body should not exceed more than what is required.
• Drink coconut water on a regular basis. The tender natural tropical fruit has been known to control blood pressure levels.
• A healthy heart will certainly promote a healthier blood pumping action thus keeping the levels in check. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for your heart as they ensure good heart health.
• Everything comes down to regular activity. Your body is made up of muscles, and muscles need a constant workout to stretch and stay healthy. Which is why it doesn’t matter even if you follow a healthy diet, without exercises. To burn off those calories and fat, stretch and flex your muscles and mainly provide a good cardio workout for healthy blood pumping action.