Getting a blood pressure reading is imperative in diagnosing high blood pressure. If you haven't had your blood pressure taken before the procedure is painless, non-invasive, and easy.

Basically, the nurse on hand will wrap a cuff around your arm, inflate it and then deflate it, while listening to your heartbeat. What they are looking to determine is the force of the blood circulating through the blood vessels.

There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading and these numbers indicate the force of the blood upon entry and exit from your heart. These numbers are termed systolic and diastolic.

When the nurse or your doctor writes the down the reading it will look like a fraction. The systolic number will be on top while the diastolic number will be on the bottom.

What Is A Normal Blood Pressure Reading?

A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80. There is a condition that is called pre-hypertensive and it has readings that range from 120/80 up to 139/89. Stage one hypertension is will have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 up to 159/99. Stage two hypertension will show a reading over 160/100.

How To Maintain Normal Blood Pressure

There are many ways to maintain normal blood pressure, but most importantly you need to get regular exercise (30 min. - 1hr a day). Regular exercise will help keep you fit and will give your heart the workout that it needs. Exercising regularly also maintains the flow of your circulatory system thus eliminating any artery clogging or build up that can cause heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

To maintain a normal blood pressure level you also want to eat a diet of organic food (mostly fruit, vegetables and nuts). Minimize the amount of processed food that you eat.

Not only is processed food fattening and addictive it is also made with chemicals (read the ingredients) that are foreign to the human body. These foods leave you at high risk for things like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Stop Smoking And Lower Your Stress

Smoking can also contribute to high blood pressure so stop. Stress is also a big contributor to high blood pressure, and most medical conditions for that matter, so you need to learn how to lower the amount of stress in your life if you want to be healthy.

Take up yoga or tai chi, exercise regularly, learn to meditate, eat right, and you will conquer stress. This is very important as to lower your susceptibility to hypertension; you must learn to handle stress properly. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!