Introduction
Blood pressure is a reading of the pressure exerted by the continuous pumping of the heart. The heart pumps blood and gushes blood within the arteries of the body. It is extremely important to be aware of one's blood pressure because alterations in blood pressure may lead to several cardiovascular conditions. The question arises, how to find out one's blood pressure? The answer is simple and standard via a blood pressure test.
A sphygmomanometer is a clinical device that aids in reading and providing accurate blood pressure. After this, an individual is acknowledged for their blood pressure range. High blood pressure and low blood pressure are the two medical conditions of the cardiovascular system that indicate an abnormality either with the blood vessels of the heart or other bodily systems. Thus, understanding blood pressure and its ranges is a key factor in maintaining blood pressure.
What Are the Factors That Influence Normal Blood Pressure?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, and hypotension, or low blood pressure, are the two types of conditions that get influenced by several factors. Both conditions show clinical manifestations of fainting, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Numerous factors influence normal blood pressure.
A few of them are mentioned below.
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Age
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Fitness level.
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Physical activeness.
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Smoking.
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Presence of cardiovascular disease.
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High cholesterol.
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Diabetes mellitus.
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Air temperature.
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Standing up.
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Lying down.
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Emotions.
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Body size.
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Medications.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a cardiovascular condition where the heart and the blood vessels exert more force to function efficiently. This condition must be corrected and reversed. Else it may lead to permanent damage to the heart. Lowering blood pressure can be done with several high blood pressure medications. The healthcare provider may combine two kinds of high blood pressure medications for a more direct and immediate change. Living a healthy and active lifestyle may be an added advantage in decreasing high blood pressure.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure with no clinical signs or symptoms is generally not very serious. Nevertheless, health issues may develop if the blood pressure drops, depriving the brain of an adequate blood supply. This will eventually lead to dizziness as well as difficulty in breathing. A sudden decrease in one's blood pressure most commonly occurs while standing up abruptly. This type of abnormality in blood pressure is called postural hypotension. Another kind of decrease in blood pressure can result from standing for a long time, called neurally mediated hypotension.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
An increase in blood pressure can result from a range of activities as well as physiological disturbances. There are no set rules of causes that lead to elevated blood pressure.
Below are a few possible reasons that may result in high blood pressure.
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Aging.
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Stress.
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Drinking coffee.
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Smoking.
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Pregnancy.
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Standing up all of a sudden.
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Intense physical activity.
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Drinking alcohol.
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Living in a tropical country.
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Certain medications.
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Drugs.
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Anxiety.
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Issues with the heart's conduction system.
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Fear.
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Anemia.
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Infection.
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Elevated thyroid hormone.
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Dehydration.
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Stress.
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Fever.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
Hypotension is the condition when an individual suffers from low blood pressure. Several reasons may lead to this condition.
Mentioned below are some of the causes of low blood pressure.
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Heart tissue damage.
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Age.
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Congenital heart defect.
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Inflammation of heart tissue.
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Heart surgery complications.
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An underactive thyroid gland.
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Imbalance of chemicals in the blood.
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Imbalance of calcium levels.
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Imbalance of potassium levels.
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Obstructive sleep apnea.
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Lupus
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Sedatives.
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Opioids.
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Antiarrhythmic drugs.
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Psychiatric medications.
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Beta-blockers.
What Are the Blood Pressure Categories Recognized by the American Heart Association?
The several ranges of blood pressure recognized by the AHA, also referred to as the American Heart Association, are as follows.
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Normal- Blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is within the normal range. Healthy habits for the heart, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, must be maintained.
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Elevated- Elevated blood pressure ranges from 120-129/ 80 mm Hg. Individuals with elevated ranges of blood pressure are more prone to develop high blood pressure. This can be easily avoided by taking crucial steps towards a healthy heart.
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Stage 1 hypertension is when the blood pressure always falls under 130-139/80-89 mm Hg. The health care professional will prescribe medications along with lifestyle changes based on the risk of developing a cardiovascular condition or atherosclerosis.
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Stage 2 hypertension is when blood pressure always falls under 140/90 mm Hg or more. A combination of antihypertensives with regular fitness activity becomes mandatory.
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A hypertensive crisis is a high blood pressure stage requiring immediate medical attention to avoid life-threatening conditions.
Which Number of the Blood Pressure Is More Vital?
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are the two readings of blood pressure. The upper limit is called systolic, and the lower limit is called diastolic. Both limits are important, and it is necessary to maintain them within optimum levels. But closer attention is usually given to the upper limit or the systolic blood pressure because systolic blood pressure increases stealthily with age due to the stiffness of large blood vessels and long-standing buildup of fat plaque leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack increases with a higher range of systolic readings in blood pressure.
Conclusion
Blood pressure is the amount of pressure exerted by the cardiovascular system to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. A blood pressure reading is presented with two numbers. The upper or the higher of the two measures the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries while the heart beats and fills with blood. The second digit presents the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure buildup within the arteries while the heart rests between two beats. The standard measure of blood pressure is equal to 120/80 mm Hg. Being aware of blood pressure is important to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. The reasons for developing abnormality in blood pressure and their occurrence depend on underlying medical conditions and other disturbances. Both conditions need to be diagnosed and treated. Treatment depends on the severity and onset of the disease. Living an active lifestyle and avoiding foods rich in cholesterol will aid in maintaining an individual's blood pressure and cardiovascular health.