Blood Pressure Explained
An active lifestyle is the best way to control your blood pressure. Abnormal cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, diabetes or being overweight can multiply the risk of heart diseases. High blood pressure is the root cause for many heart ailments.
Many Americans suffer from this condition which is otherwise known as hyper tension. It is dangerous as it makes the heart work more to pump the blood. Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become hard, this condition can be a result of fluctuating BP, and this can result in several types of heart diseases.
The following BP chart serves as a guide to knowing the exact values:
– Pre hypertension – 120-139/80-89mg/dl
– Normal – less than 120/80mg/dl
– Stage 1 high blood pressure – 140-159/90-99mg/dl
– Stage 2 high blood pressure – 160mg/dl and above/100 and above
People showing a higher number from this chart should get advice from their physician and work on ways to lower their blood pressure levels.
Various factors play a role in the development of hypertension. These may include:
– Increased salt intake
– Smoking
– Obesity
– Physical inactivity
– Stress
– Older age
– Heredity
– Adrenal and thyroid disorders
– Chronic kidney disease
– Family history
In many such cases, the cause cannot be determined. Such a type is called the essential hypertension. There are some risk factors associated with essential hypertension. It mostly affects men and runs in the family. This is mostly influenced by diet and lifestyle.
A lot of people with this condition are salt sensitive. This means that as the intake increases, the BP also increases. If a direct cause for hypertension can be identified, this is called the secondary hypertension. Kidney disease causes hypertension. It can also be triggered by many kinds of tumors or some abnormalities related to adrenal glands. Some pregnancies boost blood pressure, as well as some medications that tighten blood vessels.
Hypertension is measured in systolic and diastolic pressures. They are usually written one below the other and both are important. The top number is the systolic and the bottom one is the diastolic pressure. It is the lowest when you sleep and rises as you work more. It also rises as one gets excited, active or nervous.
Doctors could advise on a lot of tips on how to lower BP. Moderate exercise, control on the food intake, minimum use of salt, reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, reduce stress and staying calm can help in lowering your blood pressure.
