What are systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart contracts, and diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes.

If I measure it once and the result is high, is it high blood pressure?

No. High blood pressure is diagnosed when repeated measurements are consistently high.

Can high blood pressure be completely cured?

In most cases, ongoing management is needed rather than a complete cure. It can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

High Blood Pressure: The Basics

Meaning of blood pressure levels and criteria for diagnosing high blood pressure

Before reading this article

Hearing “your blood pressure is high” during a health checkup can feel unsettling. However, understanding what high blood pressure is and why it is dangerous can help you respond effectively.

Summary of key concepts

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of blood vessels as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. It is expressed as two numbers.

**Systolic blood pressure** (number above): Pressure when the heart contracts
**Diastolic blood pressure** (number below): Pressure when the heart relaxes

Example: 120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80.”

Criteria for normal blood pressure and high blood pressure

**Normal**: Below 120/80
**Caution**: 120~139 / 80~89
**Hypertension**: 140/90 or higher

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

High blood pressure puts constant pressure on the blood vessel walls, damaging them and forcing the heart to work harder. This can lead to complications such as:

stroke
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
heart failure
Kidney disease
Decreased vision

Tips that actually help

**Regular measurement**: Measure at the same time 2-3 times a week at home
**Lifestyle habits check**: Check salt intake, lack of exercise, stress, and obesity.
**Check family history**: Be more careful if a parent has high blood pressure

Common mistakes beginners make

**Ignored because there are no symptoms**: High blood pressure usually has no symptoms.
**Judge from one measurement**: Measurements must be made multiple times to be accurate.
**Discontinuation of medication arbitrarily**: Medication should be continued even if there are no symptoms

Key Summary

Blood pressure = pressure applied to blood vessel walls
If it is 140/90 or higher, it is high blood pressure.
Since it progresses without symptoms, regular measurements are required.
Can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.

Checklist

[ ] Have you recently measured your blood pressure?
[ ] Do you understand the meaning of systolic/diastolic blood pressure?
[ ] Does anyone in your family have high blood pressure?
[ ] Do you tend to consume a lot of salt?
[ ] Are you exercising regularly?

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This article is for general health information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or prescription.