All About Blood Pressure

How Blood Pressure Works

Blood Pressure is the level of the blood force generated as it presses against the artery walls. The blood pressure is measured in two numbers: the systolic and the diastolic.

Systolic pressure occurs during the systole period of the cardiac cycle, which happens when the aortic valve of the heart opens and blood flows into the blood vessels. Systolic represents the highest pressure.

Diastolic pressure happens when the left ventricle of the heart relaxes in order to be refilled with blood. Diastolic represents the lowest pressure.

Taking your pressure 

The most common and convenient way to measure your blood pressure is by using a device called a sphygmomanometer or a blood pressure meter. Nowadays there are a great variety of sphygmomanometers to measure your blood pressure. There are digital and manual blood pressure meters.

Digital blood pressure meters are battery operated and are much easier to use. These type of meters come in either as automatic or as semi automatic. The digital automatic blood pressure meters are fully automatic and the digital semi-automatic blood pressure meters have at least one mechanical use and the rest is automated. For example, many semi automatic monitors have a manual cuff, which you have to manually inflate.

Manual blood pressure meters are the oldest type. Another name for these devices is aneroid blood pressure monitors. These meters generally provide a more accurate reading than the digital ones, but are much more difficult to operate.

Make sure you read the manufacturer’s direction carefully before using your blood pressure device.

Things to consider when Taking your Blood Pressure 

It is important to understand that blood pressure varies throughout the day, depending on your situation. Usually, your blood pressure will be lower when you wake up in the morning or when you’re relaxed and even much lower when you’re asleep. In contrast, your blood pressure will be higher when you’re stressed, excited, nervous and exercising. For the most accurate blood pressure measurement, always try to have an accurate state. Make sure you don’t eat or drink anything for at least half an hour prior to taking your blood pressure, especially, don’t smoke or drink alcohol for at least 2 hours before. Also, if you feel need to go to the bathroom, do so before you take your pressure. Avoid any types of worries before or during the blood pressure testing, which may cause temporary high palpitations of your heart.

Normal, Low and High Blood Pressure 

Normal Blood Pressure 

Active healthy people who exercise and eat healthy, don’t smoke or drink too often, usually have a normal blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure ranges between 90/60 to 140/90

Low Blood Pressure 

Low blood pressure is anything lower than 85/55 and at this point, a medical attention is recommended.

Individuals with a blood pressure lower than 65/45 have hypotension, which is an abnormal low blood pressure and require immediate doctor’s help. Hypotension can cause hemorrhage, dehydration, fatigue.

To help with your low blood pressure and to raise it a little, make sure you get enough sleep, take plenty of fluids and make sure you’re consuming enough your salt (sodium) in your body. Also try to avoid alcohol.

High Blood Pressure 

Always consult your doctor as soon as you have noticed that you have high blood pressure.

There are drugs that can help with reduce your blood pressure.

A blood pressure higher than 145/90 is already considered high and medical attention is recommended to avoid bigger problems.

A blood pressure higher than 160/100 is already is already considered hypertension. Hypertension occurs when and a visit to the doctor may be required to improve conditions. Usually at this state, a doctor will prescribe a drug to reduce the high blood pressure level. Hypertension is a very serious condition and is often called silent killer because there aren’t known noticeable symptoms. Moreover, hypertension has been found to be a major cause of arteriosclerosis.

If your blood pressure is higher than 200/120, you are in a very serious condition which requires almost immediate medical attention. At this state, you’re prone to have a heart attack or a stroke.

To lower your blood pressure try to exercise, limit your salt (sodium) intake, reduce your alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking.