Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s measured using two numbers:

1. Systolic pressure (top number):
   The pressure when your heart beats (contracts).

   • Normal: less than 120 mmHg

2. Diastolic pressure (bottom number):
   The pressure when your heart rests between beats.

   • Normal: less than 80 mmHg

So a normal blood pressure reading looks like “120/80 mmHg” (said “120 over 80”).

💓 Blood Pressure Categories (for adults)

🩺 Why It Matters

• High blood pressure (hypertension) strains the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and more.

• Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, or even shock in severe cases.

• 3. How Blood Pressure Is Controlled

  Your body constantly balances blood pressure using several systems:

  • Heart: Pumps faster or slower to adjust output.

  • Arteries: Can narrow (constrict) or widen (dilate) to change resistance.

  • Kidneys: Regulate blood volume by controlling salt and water balance.

  • Hormones: Such as adrenaline, renin, and aldosterone affect heart rate and vessel tension.

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  🍎 4. What Affects Blood Pressure

  Increases (Hypertension risk):

  • High salt intake

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Smoking or alcohol use

  • Genetic factors or family history

  • Aging (arteries stiffen with age)

  • Medical conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, etc.)

  Decreases (Hypotension causes):

  • Dehydration

  • Blood loss

  • Certain medications (diuretics, beta-blockers)

  • Endocrine issues (low thyroid, adrenal insufficiency)

  • Heart problems (bradycardia, heart failure)

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  🩺 5. How Blood Pressure Is Measured

  • Usually done with a sphygmomanometer (cuff and gauge) or an automatic monitor.

  • The cuff inflates to stop blood flow, then slowly releases pressure.

  • As blood starts to flow again, two key sounds (Korotkoff sounds) are detected:

    1. First sound → systolic pressure

    2. Disappearance of sound → diastolic pressure

  For best accuracy:

  • Rest for 5 minutes beforehand.

  • Sit with feet flat, back supported, and arm at heart level.

  • Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes before.

  • Take multiple readings at the same time each day.

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  ⚠️ 6. Why It Matters

  High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms appear.
  Over time, it increases the risk of:

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Kidney disease

  • Vision loss

  • Aneurysm

  • Heart failure

  Low blood pressure can cause:

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Blurred vision

  • Weakness

  • In severe cases, shock

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  💡 7. How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

  • Eat a balanced diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).

  • Limit salt (under 2,300 mg sodium per day, ideally under 1,500).

  • Stay physically active — at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Manage stress with relaxation, sleep, and breathing techniques.

  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly.