What does a higher blood pressure reading typically indicate?

A higher blood pressure reading typically indicates poor cardiovascular health because it suggests that the heart is exerting more force than normal to pump blood through the arteries. This increased pressure can be a sign of hypertension, a condition that can lead to various cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases. Hypertension often results from factors such as high salt intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or genetic predisposition.

In contrast, increased physical fitness generally correlates with lower blood pressure, as regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve its efficiency. Dehydration can lead to temporary fluctuations in blood pressure but is not directly indicated by consistently high readings. Additionally, a higher blood pressure reading would not suggest a lower risk of heart disease; in fact, it typically signals an elevated risk.