In this blog, we will discuss about blood pressure, its causes, types and tests used for the detection. We will also discuss some questions related to the blood pressure.
Blood pressure is one of the common conditions that huge population around the world is facing today. Blood pressure in short is usually used as BP and is the indicator for the heart health and overall health of the person. Blood pressure is very important indicator regarding the health of an individual but often people takes it sometimes very casual. Blood pressure can impact most of the vital organs of the body like heart, kidneys, blood vessels, brain etc. Maintain and managing the blood pressure is one of the important and aspect of the health. There are various ways of maintaining blood pressure apart from medication and these include the healthier food, exercises, yoga and other natural ways. Person going through the BP condition should consult the doctor and always keeps the check of the BP.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg, which is the systolic and diastolic pressure of the heart. The upper pressure or the systolic pressure is 120 and the lower pressure or we can say that the diastolic pressure is 80. The unit of pressure is measured in the mm Hg which is the short form of millimeter of mercury. This is the standard way of measuring pressure in the body and person should keep a check for this number. Any deviation from this number is considered abnormality with the blood pressure. There may be slight deviation up to certain numbers which can be considered normal but huge deviation from the normal is considered to be the blood pressure condition.
Normal Blood Pressure
Blood pressure according to guidelines of the medical is as under:
Normal blood pressure: Range of 120/80 mm Hg.
Hypertensive crisis: Pressure over 180 mm Hg and diastolic pressure over 120 mm Hg.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also called hypertension and builds over the years. There are various factors which a person adopts and his blood pressure increases over the years. This then becomes a lifelong problem and person has to live with this condition if the stage is later.
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
- Less physical activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Age
- Family history
- Genetics
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
Low Blood Pressure Causes
Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. The condition is also dangerous and should get quick medical treatment. This condition is less dangerous compared to the high blood pressure and can cause fainting, fatigue, dizziness etc. Here is the list of causes of low blood pressure and these include:
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Certain heart problems
- Endocrine disorder
- Underactive thyroid
- Severe infection
- sepsis
- Nutritional deficiencies
- low vitamin B12 or
- Low folate levels
- Certain medications
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
High Blood Pressure Types
- Primary Hypertension or also called essential hypertension. The condition develops over the years and have not any known causes and some suspected causes include:
- Life style
- Genetics
- Age
- Secondary Hypertension and this condition occurs due to underlying health conditions like
- Kidney disease,
- Hormonal disorders
- Certain medications
- Often appears suddenly
- Can be more severe
- White Coat Hypertension is the type of hypertension which occurs when visting doctor. This condition usually occurs due to anxiety.
- Masked high blood pressure or hypertension.
- Resistant high blood pressure or hypertension. In this condition blood pressure remains high even after taking the medications.
Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain (if severe)
Symptoms of low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Tests for the Diagnosis of the Blood Pressure
There are various tests which are used for the diagnosis of the blood pressure and these tests include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Echocardiogram
- Eye exam
Ways to Manage Blood Pressure
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Eat fruits,
- Eat vegetables, and
- Eat low-fat dairy.
- Cut down on salt
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Say no to alcohol
- Quit smoking.
- Manage stress
- Do yoga,
- Do meditation, or
- Exercise deep breathing.
Medications for the Blood Pressure
If the lifestyle changes and other ways will not lower the blood pressure then the doctor will prescribe the medications and these medications commonly include:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
High Blood Pressure and its Complications
High blood pressure is the chronic condition and can affect the health of the person in the long run. Here are the complications of the high blood pressure:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease or failure
- Vision loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Peripheral artery disease
- Aneurysm
Conclusion
Hypertension of the high blood pressure is the chronic condition that can affect the life of a person. Normal blood pressure is considered 120/80 mm Hg and any deviation from this range is considered to be the blood pressure condition. Blood pressure can be high and low but the higher end blood pressure is more dangerous than the lower one.
High blood pressure can cause various health issues like kidney diseases, heart abnormalities, arteries breakage. The condition can be sometimes deadly and cause brain hemorrhage if the artery breaks in the brain. Person going though the condition of high BP should always consult the doctor. There are natural ways to lower the BP but if the condition persists then there are medications which are used to lower the high BP condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can blood pressure be fatal?
Yes, blood pressure can be fatal.
Does blood pressure effects other organs?
Yes, it can affect kidney, brain, heart etc.
How common is BP?
BP is now a day’s one of the common chronic conditions in humans.
Can a common person measure BP?
Yes, if he has little knowledge about the working of BP machine.
What are the causes of BP?
There are various causes of BP like deposition of plague in arteries, stress, diet etc.
Can I take BP medication on my own?
No, you should always consult doctor for the BP medications.
Can BP be corrected without medications?
Yes, early BP conditions can be corrected through diet and exercise.
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