How Blood Pressure Reflects Your Health Status?

04/24/2024

What is blood pressure? 

Blood pressure comes out as the measurement of the pressure of blood in your arteries. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries that carry blood throughout your body. This process happens almost 60 to 100 times each minute, 24 hours a day. Arteries carry oxygen and nutrients to the entire body, allowing it to function smoothly and efficiently. 

Blood pressure is calculated using two numbers, like 120/80. The top number, systolic pressure, describes the force when your heart beats. On the other hand, the bottom number, diastolic pressure, indicates the force when your heart is at rest. High blood pressure could be a sign of a health condition. 

Healthy blood pressure is when your systolic pressure is less than 120 mmHg, and your diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day, and it may peak mid-day and fall again in the evening. 

What is high blood pressure? 

High blood pressure has become more prevalent than ever, affecting millions of people every year across the globe. While measuring your blood pressure, if your systolic reading is between 120-129 mmHg and your diastolic reading, on the other hand, is below 80 mmHg, you have elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure (BP) puts you at a raised risk of developing serious health conditions, including hypertension, later on.  

Hypertension is one of the common conditions that can be fatal if not treated. This medical condition develops gradually over the years. You may not notice any clear symptoms, but its persistence can lead to serious damage to vital organs, for example, the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. Therefore, early detection is the key to prevent future damage. Regular blood pressure check-ups can assist the doctor and you to monitor changes. If your blood pressure increases, the doctor may keep an eye on it for a few days to check whether the number stays constant or increases. 

Hypertension is divided into stages; please have a look at it:  

Elevated blood pressure: When the systolic reading is between 120 and 129 mm Hg and the diastolic reading is below 80 mm Hg, it indicates elevated blood pressure. 

Stage 1: You are at stage 1 of developing hypertension if your systolic reading is between 130-139 mm Hg and your diastolic reading is between 80-89 mm Hg. 

Stage 2: If the systolic reading is 140 or higher & the diastolic reading is 90 or higher, you are probably at stage 2 of hypertension.  

Hypertensive crisis: Please seek immediate medical attention if your systolic reading is 180 or higher and your diastolic reading is 120 or higher. 

What does high blood pressure indicate? 

High blood pressure can be a result of an underlying condition, and its long-term persistence can induce other health conditions, such as heart disease.  

If someone has atherosclerosis, also known as plaque buildup, around their artery walls, it may hamper blood flow by restricting the arteries. When the arteries are blocked with plaque buildup, the pressure to pass the blood through them will be higher. 

If hypertension is caused by an underlying condition, it is known as secondary hypertension. Examples of the conditions that can raise blood pressure may consist of:  

• Heart disease 

• Problems with blood vessels 

• Kidney disease 

• Thyroid problems 

• Tumors on the adrenal gland  

Hypertension is very much treatable. See a doctor to know the right treatment for you. It can be handled with medications and lifestyle changes. This medical condition increases your risk of developing serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, heart disease, etc. 

In order to prevent hypertension, one should focus on a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well and cutting off bad habits. In case lifestyle changes don’t work out, you might be asked to opt for medicines. You will have to stick to the treatment as directed by the doctor. In addition, you should get your blood pressure checked twice a year. 

What is low blood pressure?  

If your blood pressure (BP) reading is below 90/60 mmHg, you have low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension. There are many types of low blood pressure. However, some common ones are orthostatic, postprandial, neurally mediated, etc. Out of all these, the most prevalent is orthostatic. You are orthostatic if your blood pressure falls or stays low after getting up from a sitting position.  

The following are the common symptoms of hypertension:  

• Lightheadedness 

• Dizziness 

• Blurred vision 

• Confusion 

• Changes in behavior 

• Fast and shallow breathing 

What does low blood pressure indicate? 

You may believe that low blood pressure is nothing to be concerned about, but this is not always true. Several underlying health conditions can lead to low blood pressure, such as: 

• Irregular heart rhythm 

• Blood clots in your lungs 

• Dehydration 

• Parkison’s disease 

• Low nutrients level 

• Diabetes

• Addison’s disease  

Low blood pressure is not discussed frequently; It can be life-endangering if left untreated. Not opting for the treatment at the right moment can invite dizziness and fainting, increasing your risk of falling and injuring yourself. Also, it increases your risk of coming across heart problems and stroke. In order to improve the condition, the doctor may recommend you drink more water if dehydration is the cause or suggest some medication to raise your blood pressure. 

Summing up: 

Normal pressure is crucial for smooth blood flow from the heart to other crucial organs and tissues of the body. If the pressure is high, it can lead to serious fallouts, including heart disease and other severe health conditions. High blood pressure could also be a cause of underlying health conditions such as thyroid problems, kidney disease, and problems with blood vessels. On the other hand, low blood pressure can also be dangerous and a sign of an underlying condition. You may encounter a number of symptoms while having low blood pressure. The high blood pressure develops over time with no evident symptoms. Therefore, regular blood pressure check-ups can assist in examining changes and taking necessary actions. 

FAQs:

1. Does blood pressure reflect health?

Your blood pressure is a good indicator of your overall health. It can help diagnose the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, and take a step to lead a healthy lifestyle. Both high and low blood pressure can be dangerous if left untreated. Therefore, keep an eye on your blood pressure and follow a healthy & active lifestyle. 

2. What are the causes of high blood pressure?

Hypertension is one of the common conditions that can affect anyone. The common causes of this condition may include: 

• Being overweight 

• Eating a diet rich in salt 

• Sedentary lifestyle 

• Smoking 

• Excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee

• High-stress levels 

• Aging 

3. Can blood pressure be lowered naturally?

Yes, it is possible to lower your blood pressure naturally. In order to manage hypertension, please follow the following guidelines. 

• Cut off extra weight 

• Daily exercise 

• Eat a balanced diet 

• Cut back on salt 

• Limit alcohol and quit Smoking 

• Take a good sleep 

• Reduce stress 

High blood pressure puts you at increased risk of developing serious health conditions, including heart disease. 

4. What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

The common symptoms of high blood pressure are listed below. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, you are prone to develop hypertension. Keeping blood pressure in check by following a healthy diet and lifestyle can help avert these symptoms. 

• Severe headaches

• Nausea

• Chest pain

• Blurred vision anxiety

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing