Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is one of the vital signs.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious condition that can lead to various health problems (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke).It is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure. It is important to know your blood pressure number, even if you're feeling fine, as the condition itself doesn't have any signs or symptoms.
Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is considered 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic)and less. High blood pressure is considered 140/90 and higher.
Several factors and conditions may play a role in the development of high blood pressure, including Smoking, Being overweight/obese, no physical activity, too much salt in your diet, too much alcohol consumption, stress, older age (blood pressure tends to rise with age, following a healthy lifestyle would help some people to delay or prevent the rise in blood pressure), genetics, family history of blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and adrenal and thyroid disorders. To prevent high blood pressure you have to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. It's also important to get regular exercise. People who are not into sports, could at least walk for a little bit every day. People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure. Try to reduce stress, eat healthy, avoid too much salt in your diet, and try to limit alcohol to a minimum.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally. They may be temporarily or permanently damaged. Low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with Pregnancy, Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, heart failure, heart arrythmias, widening or dilation of the blood vessels, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, liver disease.This causes a drop in blood pressure.
Drink lots of fluids to maintain blood volume and avoid dehydration, especially during physical exertion or heat exposure.You will start sweating, which causes a loss in body fluids.In addition, these conditions may cause the body's temperature to rise.When this occurs, blood vessels respond by enlarging.This causes a drop in blood pressure. Make sure to drink a lot of water after a diarrhea or vomiting. You don't want your body temperature to rise, so avoid overly hot baths or showers. Get enough sleep, don't drink alocohol, avoid standing for a long period of time.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious condition that can lead to various health problems (coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke).It is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure. It is important to know your blood pressure number, even if you're feeling fine, as the condition itself doesn't have any signs or symptoms.
Blood pressure is measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is considered 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic)and less. High blood pressure is considered 140/90 and higher.
Several factors and conditions may play a role in the development of high blood pressure, including Smoking, Being overweight/obese, no physical activity, too much salt in your diet, too much alcohol consumption, stress, older age (blood pressure tends to rise with age, following a healthy lifestyle would help some people to delay or prevent the rise in blood pressure), genetics, family history of blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and adrenal and thyroid disorders. To prevent high blood pressure you have to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. It's also important to get regular exercise. People who are not into sports, could at least walk for a little bit every day. People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure. Try to reduce stress, eat healthy, avoid too much salt in your diet, and try to limit alcohol to a minimum.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally. They may be temporarily or permanently damaged. Low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Health problems can occur when blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. The cause of low blood pressure isn't always clear. It may be associated with Pregnancy, Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, heart failure, heart arrythmias, widening or dilation of the blood vessels, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, liver disease.This causes a drop in blood pressure.
Drink lots of fluids to maintain blood volume and avoid dehydration, especially during physical exertion or heat exposure.You will start sweating, which causes a loss in body fluids.In addition, these conditions may cause the body's temperature to rise.When this occurs, blood vessels respond by enlarging.This causes a drop in blood pressure. Make sure to drink a lot of water after a diarrhea or vomiting. You don't want your body temperature to rise, so avoid overly hot baths or showers. Get enough sleep, don't drink alocohol, avoid standing for a long period of time.