Blood Pressure - Basics:
Blood Pressure is the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries.
Pressure = Force/Area.
Arteries: The arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues of the body.
Near the Heart, the pressure is Higher.
Systolic blood pressure: pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
diastolic blood pressure: the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Stressful Situation leads to Temporary High Blood Pressure.
Blood pressure changes throughout the day based on the activities performed, Body position, Breathing rhythm, Stress level, Physical condition, Medications you take, What you eat and drink, Time of day.
Consistent High Blood Pressure may lead to adverse effects on the Brain, Kidneys, Heart, Eyes etc. (may cause a stroke).
BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS: 2003 Guidelines:
Normal
systolic: less than 120 mm Hg
diastolic: less than 80 mm HgAt-Risk (prehypertension)
systolic: 120–139 mm Hg
diastolic: 80–89 mm HgHigh Blood Pressure (hypertension)
systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher
diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher
BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS: 2017 Guidelines:
Normal
systolic: less than 120 mm Hg
diastolic: less than 80 mm HgElevated
systolic: 120–129 mm Hg
diastolic: less than 80 mm HgHigh blood pressure (hypertension)
systolic: 130 mm Hg or higher
diastolic: 80 mm Hg or higher
What affects a blood pressure reading?
white coat syndrome:
Nervousness about having your blood pressure taken.
1 in 3 people who have a high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office may have normal blood pressure readings outside of it
Your Intake:
If you smoked, drank alcohol or caffeine, your reading might be higher.
Reading taken Within 30 Minutes of Exercise.
Posture:
Crossed legs with arm droop at the side - Higher Reading.
Arms rest on a table at chest height - Relatively Lower Reading.
Signs & Symptoms:
There’s No way to know if you have high blood pressure. Regular Measurement is the only way.
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure (hypertension):
Lower the Salt intake.
Maintain BMI.
Limit Smoking/ Alcohol.
Get enough sleep.
Keep Calm & …… (take less stress :)
Causes:
Unhealthy lifestyle
Not Enough Exercise.
Diabetes, Obesity, Pregnancy
Low Blood Pressure: (Hypotension):
Reading lower than 90 mm Hg - systolic or 60 mm Hg - diastolic.
Causes: Dehydration or Serious Medical Condition.
Causes:
Pregnancy.
Heart problems.
Diabetes.
Dehydration.
Blood Loss.
Low Nutrient Diet.
Certain Medications.
Types of low blood pressure
On standing up (orthostatic or postural).
After eating (postprandial)
Faulty brain signals (neurally mediated) Caused after long hours of Standing.
Due to nervous system damage.