Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is a measure of force that our heart uses to pump blood around our body. In other words, Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time when our heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Our blood pressure usually rises and falls throughout the day.

Generally, our blood pressure reading uses two numbers systolic number and diastolic number. For example, 120/80 means a systolic of 120 and a diastolic of 80. A normal blood pressure level of our body is less than 120/80 mmHg.

In this article, we will see a complete Blood pressure Chart with age, Blood pressure high and low symptoms, Measuring range of normal blood pressure, Causes of high/low blood pressure, and many more.

What is Blood Pressure?

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that our heart uses to pump blood in our body. It refers to the force exerted by the blood against the walls of arteries. Most of this pressure results from our heart pumping the blood cells through the circulatory system.

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How is Blood Pressure Measured?

A blood pressure measurement is most often used to diagnose high blood pressure. Blood pressure that’s too low, known as hypotension and blood pressure that’s too high is called hypertension.

Blood pressure is measured by the following methods.

1. Blood pressure cuff
2. Stethoscope
3. Sphygmomanometer or Digital Blood Pressure monitor

Procedure of Blood Pressure Measurement

Following are the procedure for the blood pressure measurement in a human body.

1. Ensure the patient is in a relaxed state before commencing the blood pressure measurement.
2. Get the blood pressure cuff wrapped around the patient’s arm above the antecubital fossa.
3. Place the stethoscope over the brachial artery as this will give the strongest pulse sounds.
4. Gradually pump the cuff bulb and listen to the pulse sounds. Along with this, monitor the readings on the sphygmomanometer.
5. Continue to inflate the cuff to such a point where the pulse sound is no longer detected and when this is reached, recorded this as the diastolic pressure.
6. Then, slowly release the cuff until pulse sounds return and then mark the systolic pressure.

Note: For those using a Digital Blood Pressure Monitor, no stethoscope shall be needed. This can help in the measure of blood pressure and pulse rate accurately with easy and single touch operation.

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

High blood pressure generally has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know even they have it or not. Measuring our blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure or not.

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Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Here are some general symptoms of high blood pressure (Hypertension).

1. Dizziness: Occasional spells of dizziness or vertigo.
2. Chest Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest region.
3. Heart Conditions: Heightened risk of heart-related ailments.
4. Nosebleeds: Frequent or severe episodes of nosebleeds.
5. Kidney Impairment: Decline in kidney function due to increased pressure on blood vessels.

Blood Pressure Chart and Ranges

The following table shows the normal, prehypertension, and hypertension blood pressure ranges according to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for adults aged 18 years and older:

High Blood Pressure – Causes

High blood pressure generally develops over the period of time. It usually happen because of the unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Specific health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also leads to the risk for developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also happen during pregnancy periods.

Problems Caused by High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can potentially damage your health in several ways. It can seriously hurt important organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes as well as the organs.

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What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition where your blood pressure falls below the normal range. This means the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls is insufficient, potentially affecting blood flow to vital organs.

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

Low blood pressure symptoms is generally considered a blood pressure readings lower than 90 mmHg for the top no. (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom no. (diastolic).

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Here are some general symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). When it comes to low blood pressure, there are some common symptoms occurs which are just normal like:

1. Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness and weakness.
2. Dizziness: Experiencing light-headedness or dizziness upon standing.
3. Thirst: Unusual thirst and signs of dehydration.
4. Vision Issues: Blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
5. Unsteadiness: A sensation of feeling woozy or unsteady.

Low Blood Pressure Causes

Medical conditions that can cause low blood pressure include:

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1. Pregnancy: Changes during pregnancy causes blood vessels expansion quickly. Low blood pressure is common in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy
2. Heart and heart valve conditions: A heart attack disease and an extremely low heart rate (bradycardia) can cause low blood pressure.
3. Hormone-related diseases (endocrine disorders): Conditions involving the parathyroid or adrenal glands, causes blood pressure to drop.
4. Dehydration: When the body doesn’t have enough water, the amount of blood in the body (blood volume) decreases.
5. Blood loss: Losing a lot of blood, such as from an injury or internal bleeding, also reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.
6. Severe infection (septicemia): When an infection in the body enters the bloodstream, then there is a septic shock (life threatening).
7. Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): Symptoms of these include a sudden and dramatic drop in blood pressure in our body.
8. Lack of nutrients in the diet. Low levels of vitamin B12, and iron can keep the body from producing enough red blood cells (anemia), which causes in low blood pressure.

Difference Between High Blood Pressure (Systolic) and Low Blood Pressure (Diastolic) – Chart

Here is the char for Difference between High Blood Pressure and low Blood Pressure:

Normal Blood Pressure By Age

Here is the list of Normal Blood Pressure Range Chart by Age:

Check-out: Overview of Circulatory System

Normal Blood Pressure Range by Age List

The Role of Blood in body

Role of Blood in body: Blood is an important fluid connective tissue that is transported inside our body via arteries. This helps in the delivery of oxygen and energy to various organs in the body. In simple terms, blood has the task of bringing oxygen as well as nutrients to all parts of the body so that they can keep performing their functions effectively. Along with this, the role of blood is also to bring carbon dioxide as well as waste materials to kidneys, lungs and the digestive system so that it can be removed from our body.

In addition to this basic function of transport, blood also carries our hormones in and around the body and also helps to fight infections that may come into the healthy body.

Types of Blood Pressure

There are mainly two types of blood Pressure:

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1. Systolic Blood Pressure (High Blood Pressure)

Systolic blood pressure represents the force exerted by the blood against arterial walls during the heart’s contraction phase. The blood pressure normal range for systolic is typically between 90 – 120 mm Hg. This measurement reflects the maximum pressure within the arteries as the heart pumps blood into the circulatory system.

2. Diastolic Blood Pressure (Low Blood Pressure)

Diastolic blood pressure, on the other hand, signifies the force of blood against arterial walls when the heart is in its relaxation phase, between beats. The blood pressure normal range for diastolic falls within 60 – 80 mm Hg. This measurement reflects the minimum pressure within the arteries when the heart is at rest.

Various Types of Blood Pressure Disorders

There are two types of blood pressure disorders, which have been explained below:

1. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension):

Low blood pressure happens when blood pressure readings fall below 90/60 mm Hg on a sphygmomanometer. This condition of hypotension in the patients shows that there is some underlying health issue and it requires medical attention. Low blood pressure is also known as Hypotension.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) occurs when blood pressure readings exceeding 140/90 mm Hg on a sphygmomanometer. High blood pressure can lead to more significant health problems due to increased pressure on blood cells during circulation. It demands prompt diagnosis and management to mitigate associated risks.

Treatment and Precautions for Abnormal Blood Pressure

There are different approaches to treatment and precautions in dealing with hypertensive problems.

1. For those with Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure):

It is important to follow medical instructions and change the position slowly to lighten your head. Increasing water and salinity levels and addressing any causes are major steps. Medication can also be prescribed if needed.

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2. For those having Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

It is important to monitor nutrition and take a diet high in sodium and fat. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and exercising are important strategies. Following prescribed medications is important to prevent blood vessel blockages, heart attacks and related complications. Regular assessment and supervision by a health care provider are essential for effective management.

In both cases, adoption of a healthy lifestyle and adherence to medical advice are important steps to effectively manage hypertension and reduce associated risks.

Blood Pressure Medicine

Here is the popular Medicines for controlling Blood Pressure:

The medicines to keep blood pressure under check include ACE inhibitors, Alpha-blockers, Beta-blockers, Combined alpha and beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Central receptor agonists , etc.

Note: Please consult with doctors before using any medicine.

Diet for Blood Pressure Control

Understanding the Dietary Impact: What we eat significantly impacts our blood pressure. A heart-healthy diet can help manage and lower high blood pressure.

Key Dietary Changes:

• Reduce Sodium: Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Choose low-sodium alternatives and avoid processed foods.
• Potassium-Rich Foods: Increase intake of potassium, which can counteract the effects of sodium. Bananas, oranges, spinach, and sweet potatoes are good sources.
• DASH Diet: Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can raise blood pressure. Moderation is key.

Exercise for Managing Blood Pressure

The Role of Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of hypertension.

Effective Exercises:

• Aerobic Activities: Include at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
• Strength Training: Incorporate strength training exercises at least two days a week.
• Consistency is Crucial: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Stress Management for Blood Pressure

Understanding Stress and Blood Pressure: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Managing stress is an essential part of blood pressure control.

Stress Reduction Techniques:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
• Regular Physical Activity: Exercise is also a powerful stress reliever.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Time Management: Prioritize tasks and take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or professionals about stressors.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for your well-being. Both high and low blood pressure have the potential to cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and organ damage. High blood pressure is the “Silent Killer” which can progress without symptoms, making regular monitoring key for early detection and prevention. Low blood pressure, while less common, can still lead to dizziness, fainting, and even life-threatening situations in severe cases.

Implementing simple lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep can make a significant difference. Additionally, monitoring your blood pressure regularly at home or in a clinic allows you to track progress and identify any potential issues early on. Remember, when it comes to blood pressure, prevention is key. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and take control of your heart health for a long and healthy life.

Related Resources:

• Blood – Components, Functions, Groups and Disorders
• Blood Group System – An Overview
• MCQ on Functions of Blood 
• Difference Between Plasma and Blood

FAQs on Blood Pressure

1. What is blood pressure and why is it important?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. It’s crucial for maintaining bodily functions, and abnormal blood pressure can lead to health issues.

2. What do the numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?

A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic (the top number) measures pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic (the bottom number) measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.

3. What is considered a normal blood pressure range?

A normal blood pressure range is typically around 120/80 mmHg. However, this can vary slightly based on age, gender, and overall health.

4. What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by various factors, including genetics, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress.

5. Can lifestyle changes help manage blood pressure?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, reducing salt intake, and managing stress can significantly help in controlling blood pressure.

6. How often should I check my blood pressure?

It depends on your age and health condition. Generally, it’s recommended to have it checked at least once every two years if you’re over 18 and more frequently if you have a history of health issues.

7. Are there symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it’s known as a “silent killer.” Regular monitoring is essential for early detection.

8. Can blood pressure affect pregnancy?

Yes, high blood pressure can pose risks during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. It’s important for pregnant women to monitor their blood pressure regularly.