Blood Pressure Overview Blood pressure is the force the blood exerts on the arterial walls as it circulates. It is often measured routinely during a medical examination as it is one of the vital signs of the body and can give important information to a medical professional about the general health of a patient. The measuring of blood pressure by non-invasive methods is painless and nothing to be concerned about. The figures derived from taking blood pressure are the systolic and diastolic arterial pressure and are reported in either kilopascals (kPa) or in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), even though most modern blood pressure devices use no mercury. The systolic arterial pressure is the peak pressure, occuring at the beginning of the cardiac cycle, whereas the diastolic arterial pressure is the lowest pressure which occurs during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle. Current guidelines define normal blood pressure as lower than 120/80 mmHg, eg. 120 mmHg (16 kPa) systolic and 80 mmHg (11 kPa) diastolic. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High blood pressure is sometimes known as the “silent killer” as there are no symptoms and, uncontrolled, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure.. A person is said to have high blood pressure generally when the pressure reading is greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. How to lower high blood pressure: Blood pressure can be lowered through a variety of techniques and medications and a medical professional should be consulted to find the best approach. Life style changes can be made to help lower blood pressure as well as helping general health. These may include: a healthy diet that emphasises fruit, vegetables and low-fat foods All these measures can help prevent high blood pressure as well as lowering an already elevated blood pressure. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Low blood pressure (hypotension) is pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney is not adequate and the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged. Low pressure is usually measured relative to a person's normal blood pressure. For example, certain people may have a habitual blood pressure of 90/50 and have no signs of low blood pressure. Another person who's usual blood pressure is 120/80 may show symptoms of hypotension if their blood pressure fals to 100/60. Causes of low blood pressure: The cause of low blood pressure isn't always obvious. It can in some circumstances be associated with the following: pregnancy Sudden drops in blood pressure can be serious and should be reported as a medical emergency. T%his can be caused by: Postural Hypotension Postural hypotension is a sudden onset of low blood pressure provoked by a change of position, most usually from sitting or lying down to standing. It can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons, including mild dehydration, lack of food, pregnancy, heat or tiredness. It can also be provoked by certain medications including those used to lower high blood pressure.
Postural Hypotension Postural hypotension is a sudden onset of low blood pressure provoked by a change of position, most usually from sitting or lying down to standing. It can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons, including mild dehydration, lack of food, pregnancy, heat or tiredness. It can also be provoked by certain medications including those used to lower high blood pressure. |