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What is Blood Pressure (BP)?

In simple words, when blood flows through our body, it puts pressure on the walls of the arteries. This pressure is known as blood pressure (BP).

Blood pressure is written like this: 120/80 mmHg. Here, 120 (the top number) is the systolic pressure, and 80 (the bottom number) is the diastolic pressure.

Systolic pressure: when the heart pumps blood.
Diastolic pressure: when the heart relaxes to fill with blood.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Generally, 120/80 mmHg is considered a healthy BP^[1]^[2]. Now here is the part people often misunderstand. Your BP can change slightly throughout the day due to your physical activity, posture, or sleep.

If your BP is slightly lower or higher than the standard range, it is generally okay. Readings such as 140/90, 150/90, or 160/92 mmHg are considered high BP.

However, if you notice high BP readings regularly, it is good to visit the doctor immediately.

Generally, these are common medicines prescribed for high BP patients:

Telmisartan
Losartan
Metoprolol Succinate
Chlorthalidone
Amlodipine
Cilnidipine

[Caution: This is for informational purposes only. Never add, remove, or modify medicines without a doctor’s advice.]

5 Mistakes You Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Consuming Too Much Salt

One of the biggest reasons for high BP is excessive salt intake. Try to reduce the amount of salt in your meals.
Make this a non-negotiable habit.

Mistake 2: Irregular BP Checkups

Measure your BP regularly at the same time every day. Checking it at least once a day helps you track your current condition. It’s a good practice to measure BP:

Before taking your medicine.
About two hours after taking it^[3].

To monitor BP regularly, it’s best to have a manual BP monitor (sphygmomanometer)^[4] at home. When used correctly, it generally shows more accurate results than a beginner-friendly digital BP monitor^[5]. You can find many tutorials on how to measure BP using a sphygmomanometer on YouTube.

Having this device at home is very convenient. Next time, you won’t have to rush to a doctor or health professional just to check your BP.

Mistake 3: Not Consulting a Doctor Periodically

Visiting a doctor at least once a month is advisable. This helps you and your doctor track your overall health and blood pressure. They can adjust the treatment according to your current condition.

It’s totally understandable that visiting a doctor can be costly or time-consuming. But regular follow-ups are worth it for maintaining good health.

It is also recommended not to change doctors frequently. Different doctors prescribe medicines in different ways. This can confuse you and reduce consistency in your treatment.

Consulting the same doctor ensures better treatment continuity.

Mistake 4: Not Following the Doctor’s Prescribed Medicines

Many people make this common but dangerous mistake.

If you have high BP, you should never take more or less medication than prescribed. You should also avoid stopping medication without a doctor’s advice.

Consulting a doctor means you trust their medical advice. Their prescription comes with a specific dosage and duration. Each medicine is prescribed for a valid medical reason.

Not following the instructions properly can raise your BP and seriously harm your health.

Mistake 5: Avoiding Vegetables

Don’t avoid vegetables in your daily diet, whether you have high blood pressure or not.

Vegetables provide nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health. They also lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In addition, try to limit the amount of unhealthy fats in your food. Excess fat can contribute to plaque buildup in blood vessels. Over time, this increases blood pressure.

Final Thoughts

Managing high blood pressure is a journey, not a destination. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you are taking a huge step towards a healthier and longer life. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be consistent. Small changes in your daily routine can lead to big improvements.

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