BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure is a serious health problem which affects nearly 40 to 50 percent of the population. Blood is carried to all parts of our body in vessels called arteries. It plays a key factor in providing blood (thus oxygen and energy) to organs.

 

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the arteries. Systemic blood pressure decreases progressively with distance from the left ventricle. It fluctuates in the arterial system between systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. List of risk factors associated with blood pressure includes: damage to the arteries, heart failure, blocks or ruptures the blood vessels in brain, heart stroke and causes damages to blood vessels in the kidneys.

 

Measurements of blood pressure

An individual should maintain a normal blood pressure from: 120 – 140 / 70 – 90 mm Hg.

Normal pulse: 60 - 80 per min.
Blood pressure is given by two numbers, with one above or before the other - 120/80.
120 - This is called systolic pressure and 80 - This is called diastolic pressure.

The measurement of diastolic pressure is more important because it is longer than the systolic period in the cardiac cycle.

 

Factors influencing blood pressure

• Blood volume.
• Vascular resistance.
• Auto regulation.
• Autonomic influences.

 

Types of blood pressure

• Systolic Blood Pressure.

It is the measurement of the pressure, which blood exerts on arteries and vessels while the heart is beating.

 

Normal range of systolic blood pressure should be 90 – 120 mm Hg.

 

 

Treatment and precautions for Blood pressure

• Treated with weight loss programs like: diet and exercise, as Bp often increases as weight increases.
• By having a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• Avoid fat and cholesterol, which can lower the blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg.
• Reduction in the sodium in diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg.
• Drinking more of milk, increases the intakes of calcium and vitamin D, this reduces risk of blood pressure.

 

Steps to follow before taking blood pressure

• Do not have any thing for 30 minutes before taking the blood pressure.
• Go to the bathroom.
• Relax for three to five minutes, before checking the blood pressure.
• Sit comfortably—Legs, ankles uncrossed and back supported.

Blood pressure can be easily lowered or controlled by regular exercise and  following a strict low sodium diet and also supplemented with including food  rich in potassium, calcium, low-fat protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 

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