Are you confused about blood pressure? Do you wonder what the two numbers mean, and why controlling it matters so much? Let’s break it down.
What the Two Numbers Mean
When you measure your blood pressure, you get two numbers — for example, 120 over 80, or 132 over 87. Most people don’t actually know what these numbers mean.
- The high number (systolic pressure) is the highest pressure your bloodstream is under when your heart beats.
- The low number (diastolic pressure) is the lowest pressure in your bloodstream when the heart relaxes between beats.
Why It Matters
When pressure remains high — even between heartbeats — it puts ongoing strain on the blood vessels. Over time, this can cause damage, thickening, hardening, and plaque formation in the arteries.
This increases the risk of:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
Understanding these numbers is the first step toward taking blood pressure seriously — not just as a number on a chart, but as a real marker of how much strain your cardiovascular system is under.
For lists of foods and supplements that help control blood pressure, download the free eBook Health Secrets at peacediet.org.
About Dr. Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH
Dr. Terry Shintani is a Harvard-trained physician and nutritionist, named a Living Treasure of Hawai’i and recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Award for Excellence. He is the creator of the Peace Diet and the landmark Waianae Diet — published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and cited over 137 times — and the author of 16 books on natural health and nutrition, drawing on more than 35 years of clinical practice in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Learn more about Dr. Shintani’s work and recognition: NLM Native Voices
Sources:
- NIH/NHLBI — Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
- American Heart Association — Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
- NIH/NIDDK — High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease