Blood Pressure BP – Causes | Ranges | Prevention | Health Check

• 22nd October 2014

What is blood pressure (BP)?

BP is the measure of the pressure of blood thrusting against the walls of the blood vessels. The heart pumps the blood in the blood vessels (arteries) that circulates it throughout the body.

Blood Pressure

Types of Blood Pressure:

Other than within Normal Range BP can be High or Low.

High Blood Pressure is dangerous as the heart works harder to pump the blood in this case. High Blood Pressure if ignored over long time may lead to heart failure.

Low Blood Pressure causes due to not proper consumption eating, standing for a long period, nervous system damage, extreme tiredness or due to effect of prolonged illness or some medicines.

Blood Pressure Readings:

In a blood pressure reading the top numerical figure represents the systolic pressure and the bottom number represents the diastolic pressure. The ranges are as follows:

Normal BP:Less than 120 over 80 represented as 120/80

Prehypertension: The systolic pressure ranging from 120-139 and the diastolic pressure ranging from 80-89.

Stage 1 high blood pressure: The systolic pressure ranging from 140-159 and the diastolic pressure ranging from 90-99.

Stage 2 high blood pressure: The systolic pressure 160 and above; the diastolic pressure 100 and above.

Factors leading to High BP

1. Smoking
2. Overweight or Obesity
3. Not doing any physical activity
4. Taking excess of salt in food
5. Excessive alcohol consumption
6. Stress
7. Old Age
8. Hereditary
9. Chronic Kidney Disease
10. Adrenal or ThyroidDisorders

People more likely to develop High BP

1. People with family members who have high blood pressure
2. Smokers
3. During Pregnancy
4. Women consumingcontraceptive pills
5. People over the age of 35
6. People who over-eat
7. People who consume fatty foods
8. People who have sleep disorder like Sleep Apnea

To Prevent Low BP

1. Physical Exercise under the guidance of a physical instructor
2. Keep yourself hydrated
3. Increase Vitamin B12intake like yogurt, milk, fishes
4. Increase folate intake like asparagus, green peas, and broccoli
5. Take little amount of extra salt in food
6. Avoid hot temperatures
7. Take meals in small amounts frequently
8. Take medicines as prescribed by physician

To prevent High BP

1. Exercise regularly under the guidance of a physical instructor
2. Eat healthy diet having right amount of required nutrients
3. Reduce the intake of salt
4. Include seasonal and fresh fruits to your diet
5. Take medicines regularly as and when suggested by physician.

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Health Awareness Article by Desun Hospital and Heart Institute

www.desunhospital.com

• ByDesun Hospital