Blood Pressure Explained Simply
Most people have heard of blood pressure, but not everyone understands what those numbers mean or why they matter. At Epoch Health, we believe in empowering you with clear, simple information to help you take charge of your wellbeing - starting with your heart.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s recorded with two numbers:
Systolic (top number): the pressure when your heart beats.
Diastolic (bottom number): the pressure when your heart is resting between beats.
For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means your systolic pressure is 120 and diastolic is 80. Both numbers are important indicators of your cardiovascular health.
What’s a Healthy Blood Pressure?
According to the Heart Foundation:
Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80 mmHg
High (Hypertension): 130/80 mmHg or above
Your blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day due to things like stress, caffeine, and exercise, so it’s important to look at trends - not just one reading.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can quietly damage your body over time. Here’s how:
Kidneys: High pressure can damage kidney vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease.
Brain: It increases the risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and vascular dementia.
Eyes: Over time, it can damage the tiny vessels in your eyes, affecting vision.
The good news? High blood pressure is manageable - and often preventable.
7 Simple Ways to Support Healthy Blood Pressure
Monitor Regularly
Check your blood pressure consistently, especially if you have a family history of hypertension.Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Focus on whole foods - lots of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains - and reduce salt and processed foods.Exercise Consistently
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, like brisk walking or cycling.Manage Stress
Try mindfulness, prayer, deep breathing, or journaling to keep stress in check.Sleep Well
Adults need 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can raise blood pressure over time.Watch Alcohol and Caffeine
Both can raise blood pressure temporarily - moderation is key.Stay Connected to Your Health Team
Regular check-ups help spot any issues early and keep your heart health on track.
A Holistic View of Health
At Epoch Health, we take an integrated approach to your wellbeing. Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, improving your energy, or preventing future health concerns, our team is here to support you. Through chiropractic care, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle coaching (Kathryn Khiroya via Nutritionial service), we help you make sustainable changes that matter.
Need support with your heart health or overall wellbeing?
Book a consult with one of our practitioners today. We're here to help you move well, feel well, and live fully.