Overview of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force with which blood presses against the walls of blood vessels. It is crucial for circulating blood throughout the body, influenced mainly by the heart's pumping action. When discussing blood pressure without specifying a type, it generally refers to the pressure within the major arteries. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), blood pressure has two readings: systolic (during a heartbeat) and diastolic (between heartbeats).
Also Check: Human Reproductive System
Key Sections Explained
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood moves through the vessels at lower than normal pressure. It can be typical for some, while for others, it might signal an underlying health issue. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- General weakness
- Confusion
- Fainting
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure or hypertension affects the arterial walls and requires the heart to work harder to pump blood. Often without symptoms, high blood pressure may occasionally cause:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
Also Check: Nutrition in Plants
Managing High Blood Pressure
To manage or prevent high blood pressure, incorporate lifestyle changes such as:
- Engaging in regular physical activity (150 minutes per week recommended)
- Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting salt intake
- Avoiding tobacco and moderating alcohol consumption
- Managing stress effectively
Key Facts
- Globally, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 have hypertension.
- Only 46% of adults with high blood pressure are aware of their condition.
- Hypertension is a leading cause of premature death worldwide.
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
Unmanaged high blood pressure can lead to severe health issues, including:
- Angina or chest pain
- Heart attacks and heart failure
- Strokes due to blocked or burst arteries
Also Read: Vegetative Propagation
Functions of Blood Pressure in the Body
Blood pressure helps distribute blood throughout the body, much like water pressure in a garden hose. Healthy arteries, which are elastic, regulate this pressure and ensure smooth blood flow.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
A sphygmomanometer, which includes a rubber cuff inflated to restrict blood flow, is used to measure blood pressure. This reading helps assess cardiovascular health
Frequently Asked Questions
High blood pressure can arise from various factors such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, obesity, aging, and genetics.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and noted as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. For example, if your reading is 120/80 mmHg, 120 represents the systolic pressure (pressure when the heart beats), and 80 represents the diastolic pressure (pressure when the heart rests between beats).
Treating high blood pressure often starts with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Doctors usually suggest these changes before considering medications, especially when blood pressure consistently reads above normal levels (130/80 mmHg or higher).
The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is beneficial for managing high blood pressure. It includes a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains each day.
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to thickening of the heart's left ventricle. This condition increases the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.