Introduction
Normal blood pressure is defined as the measurement of the force or pressure of blood against the walls of arteries as the blood is pumped by the heart. It is usually expressed in two terms: Systolic pressure (high number) and diastolic pressure (lower number). For example, a regular OR normal blood pressure reading is 120mmHg over 80mmHg and written as 120mmHg/80mmHg and is considered normal blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart ventricles contract and eject blood from the ventricles. Diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart ventricles relax and blood fills in them.
Blood pressure categories:
The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are the following:
Normal
The blood pressure is considered normal if its less than 120mmHg\80mmHg. But if remains persistent and sticks to these numbers which are below 120mmHg over 80mmHg. Take Care of your diet and keep the habit to exercise regularly.
Elevated
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 of systolic pressure and less than 80 mm Hg of diastolic. People with persistently elevated ranges of pressure are more prone to develop high blood pressure if they don’t adopt precautionary measures.
Stage 1 (Hypertension)
Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure readings consistently range from 130-139 systolic pressure or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Stage 1 can be dangerous if left untreated. If a person has stage 1 hypertension then at this stage doctor may prescribe you a lifestyle change and some medications to control the risk of cardiac issues such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) or heart attack and stroke.
Stage 2 (Hypertension)
Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure values consistently range from 140/90 mm Hg or even higher. At this stage 2 hypertension, doctors prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle change suggestions to keep your health good.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Usually, High blood pressure occurs without symptoms that’s why it is referred to as a ” silent killer”. In some cases, people with shooting bp complain about headaches.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries falls lower than normal. Some people may have naturally low blood pressure due to some genetic factors and body functioning, but for others, it can be a sign of an underlying health problem or any other medical condition. Low blood pressure symptoms can vary depending on the person and the cause of the condition, but some most common symptoms include the following:
Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can happen when there is not enough adequate blood flow to the brain, causing a feeling of dizziness lethargy, or fainting.
Fatigue: Low blood pressure can make a person feel lethargic and weak. an individual can have cramps as well.
Nausea: Nausea can also be the cause of low blood pressure accompanied by the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Blurred vision: Low blood pressure can cause to shrink of the eye blood vessels which results in blurry vision or sometimes blackout.
Cold, clammy, or pale skin: When the blood vessels constrict in the body due to low blood pressure, it can cause pale, cold, and clammy skin. Skin feels cold due to low blood flow in the vessels.
Rapid, shallow breathing: Occur as a result of low oxygen levels in the blood vessels, which occur due to low blood pressure. So to compensate for the oxygen demand an individual breathes heavily and shallow breathing occurs.
Confusion or difficulty concentrating: Low blood pressure can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, which results in poor or difficulty in concentration, and an individual gets panicky and confused.
It is important to acknowledge that some people with hypotension might not have any symptoms at all, which is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to find any abnormal blood pressure readings. If you experience any severe and worsening symptoms of low blood pressure, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of low blood pressure and discuss the best and proper treatment options to alleviate the symptoms and underlying causes.
Understand Your blood pressure numbers
Your blood pressure numbers are recorded as two which are:
Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – shows how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats or the ventricles of your heart contract.
Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – shows how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting.
Which Blood pressure (number) is more important?
Typically, more importance is given to systolic blood pressure (First number) as it is usually the cause of heart disease in most people with age above 50. The systolic blood pressure in most people steadily rises as they turn above 50. This is because the arteries get stiff with age and the risks of plaques in the arteries increases. Systolic blood pressure can be dangerous if it gets uncontrolled it may cause serious health issues such as heart attack or stroke.
The picture shows a doctor checking blood pressure.
How to take precise blood pressure readings at home?
Blood pressure readings can be taken at home by following these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the equipment You will need a blood pressure monitor, a cuff that properly fits your arm, and a stethoscope. Make sure the cuff is properly inflated to the correct size for your arm and your arm should be at your heart level.
Step 2: Sit comfortably: Sit in a chair with your back fully supported and your feet flat on the ground. Don’t cross your legs or talk while taking your blood pressure.
Step 3: Take the reading: Follow the instructions shown on your blood pressure monitor. Typically, you will need to inflate the cuff until you feel a pulse, after the pulse disappears then slowly release the air through the apparatus pin while listening to the stethoscope or watching the monitor get a reading
Step 4: Repeat the reading: Repeat the procedure two or three times to get more readings, one minute apart, and average the results to get your final blood pressure reading
Important note before taking the reading.
Make sure you should avoid taking caffeine, smoking, or drinking alcohol at least 30 minutes prior to measuring your blood pressure. Also, it’s best to avoid measuring your blood pressure after heavy or strenuous activity or when you are feeling anxious already.
Interruptions in blood pressure readings and Solutions
Interruption while taking blood pressure can occur due to various reasons some are explained below.
Some common causes include the patient is not steady and moving or talking during the measurement through a sphygmomanometer, improper positioning of the cuff binding, or a malfunctioning blood pressure monitor that can cause interruption or error in blood pressure readings.
To ensure accurate error-free readings, it’s important to follow proper techniques while taking blood pressure.
Patients should be seated comfortably with their backs supported and their feet on the ground in a static manner. They should not talk, breathe heavily, or move during the measurement, and the cuff should be properly positioned on the upper arm at the level of the heart.
If you are facing any difficulty in getting accurate blood pressure readings, consult your doctor or healthcare professional for guidelines is the best way.
Factors that can affect blood pressure include:
Your normal blood pressure can be affected by many factors they can either internal or external factors.
Age: Affects your blood pressure as with the passage of time your heart muscles become weaker and they don’t put the same pressure as before against the walls of arteries which affects your normal blood pressure. Blood pressure usually stands to increase with age as adults and older people do have a difference in their blood pressure readings.
Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can affect your blood pressure. It is one of the most noted factors that affect the blood pressure in most people who have a sedentary lifestyle.
Weight: overweight or obese people are more likely to have the risk of high blood pressure.
Diet: A diet that is rich in salt can contribute to the risk of high blood pressure. planning a diet that is high in fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated fats can help to lower blood pressure.
Physical activity: Regular physical activity can help to lower blood pressure and maintain normal blood pressure.
Stress: Chronic stress can also be the cause of high blood pressure.
Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, and e-cigarettes, or using tobacco products can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive Alcohol intake can contribute to high blood pressure.
Genetics: High blood pressure can be in genetics or run in families, and certain genetic factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Chronic medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems, and kidney disease, can also increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Medication: Some certain medications, such as birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and some cold and allergy medications, can raise your blood pressure level. Must consult your doctor if your high blood pressure symptoms or condition gets worse due to certain medications.
Guidelines to maintain normal blood pressure:
Normal blood pressure is essential for your vitals, as blood pressure is known as a silent killer so must aware of it. Must opt for some health measures to keep your blood pressure maintained. There are s several guidelines or lifestyle changes you can choose to have normal blood pressure:
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help maintain normal blood pressure levels:
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and is low in salt, can help lower and control your blood pressure to keep it at normal blood pressure level.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese risks high blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight and fat from your body can help lower your blood pressure.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical health activity has a great impact on lowering and controlling your blood pressure. Set a goal for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. And monitor your blood pressure reading at weekends.
Cut off alcohol consumption: Excessive consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. You should limit or quit alcohol intake or reduce intake or no more than two drinks per day.
Don’t smoke or use tobacco: Smoking or using tobacco products is overall unhygienic and it can damage your blood vessels and lungs and increase your risk of falling victim to hypertension. Reduce or quit smoking to achieve a healthy normal blood pressure.
Reduce stress: Stress impacts your overall body mechanism and sometimes triggers certain hormones to elevate blood pressure resulting in hypertension. So it’s important to find ways to manage and reduce stress, such as through meditation, yoga, Counseling for stress issues, or deep breathing exercises.
Control your other medical conditions: If you have other underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol count, it’s important to manage them with the best medical or health consult this way you can keep your blood pressure under control.
Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed: If you have high blood pressure, and the doctor prescribes you pressure medications then make sure to take them as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Following these lifestyle changes and blood pressure guidelines can help you to maintain your normal blood pressure.
Note: Older adults who are chain smokers are at very high risk of developing constant hypertension. They urgently need to quit smoking as their immune system gets already compromised and they are most likely to develop other medical issues like asthma and emphysema.
Conclusion
High Blood pressure is a major public health concern. According to studies, it affects one in three adults in the United States. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure at the top. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help to prevent and control hypertension issues. Medications may also be needed or used to control blood pressure in some cases. Older adults are more prone to hypertension.
It is important to check your blood pressure regularly and to consult with your healthcare provider to have the plan to manage your blood pressure if it is high. Regular monitoring and precautions to maintain blood pressure can help to reduce the risk of serious health issues.