What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of our arteries; it is caused by the beating of the heart and is the reason blood circulates throughout the circulatory system. The pressure of the heart pumping blood through the arteries is essential to flow of blood. Blood pressure is important because it helps to ensure that the blood is delivering oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and white blood cells to the entire body. It also helps to ensure that blood circulates toxins and metabolic waste to the liver and kidneys to be filtered and excreted. 

Blood flow depends on a difference in pressure throughout the circulatory system. The heart, like any muscle, contracts and relaxes. Blood pressure is the highest closer to the heart, as blood is pumped from the heart into the aorta. As the blood flows throughout the arteries, to smaller blood vessels farther from the heart, the pressure becomes gradually lower. 

A healthy heartbeat - the normal contraction and relaxation of the heart to pump blood - is essential to normal blood pressure. So, too, is the health of the arteries. Our arteries are elastic - they expand and contract in response to blood pressure. This elasticity contributes to the flow of blood. Relaxed, unrestricted arteries can expand normally, which can support a healthy cardiovascular system and normal blood pressure.

Blood pressure is expressed as a ratio of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes. Blood pressure is recorded as Systolic over diastolic. 

You may wonder what is considered normal blood pressure. Everybody is different, so it’s best to consult with a physician to determine what your blood pressure measurements mean. Generally speaking, the American Heart Association sets forth the following guidelines for blood pressure levels for adults:

• Normal: Less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm HG) for systolic or 80 mm Hg or lower for diastolic.
• Elevated: Between 120 - 129 mm HG for systolic or less than 80 mm HG for diastolic.
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Between 130 - 139 mm HG for systolic or between 80 - 89 mm HG for diastolic.
• Stage 2 Hypertension: At least 140 mm HG for systolic or at least 90 mm HG for diastolic. 

Anything higher than stage 2 hypertension for either systolic or diastolic pressure may require immediate medical attention. Typically, the systolic measurement is used to determine normal blood pressure, but either number may be used. While devices to measure your own blood pressure are readily available, a medical professional can provide you with the most accurate and verified reading.

Maintaining normal blood pressure is an important part of promoting optimal health and supporting the function of the circulatory system. If you are at risk, or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action. However, if you have normal blood pressure, there are certain lifestyle choices you can make to promote overall health and help maintain normal blood pressure. These include: 

• Exercising regularly, especially cardio
• Avoiding cigarettes or tobacco use
• Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption
• Staying physically active
• Low glycemic eating; adopting a well-balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and protein
• Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet
• Healthy weight management

To learn more about some positive lifestyle changes you may consider, we recommend checking out the TLS® Health Guide & Journal. TLS® Weight Loss Solutions is an innovative program that seeks to change the way you think about healthy living. The program goes far beyond weight management to foster a balanced, rounded lifestyle change that includes healthy eating, exercise, developing a positive mindset, and reinforcing positive habits. 

TLS® uses a four-pronged approach to transition to a healthier lifestyle:

• Low-Glycemic Eating to incorporate healthy foods into your diet that promote metabolism, help you lose fat, and maintain normal blood pressure.
• Body Composition focuses on exercise that not only burns fat but promotes an optimal muscle-to-fat ratio.
• Education to empower you with insight into the most important aspects of healthy living so you can make informed decisions about your new lifestyle.
• Science-Based Supplementation to support your other efforts to eat right, support your metabolism, and boost energy.* 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.