It’s The Bloody Truth About Blood Pressure

• July 24, 2019
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Ask yourself a question, Are you a high strung person or a more relaxed person? Now reflect how you think these would affect your body. No ask yourself, have you had your blood pressure checked? Many people do not know that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and should be checked regularly, Here’s why.

Blood Pressure is considered to be a vital sign. This means that it is vital to your health and should be monitored on a regular basis. Blood Pressure is the force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygen rich blood away from your heart. When your heart beats and forces more blood into your arteries, the force is a little higher; this is called your systolic pressure. Between beats, the pressure drops; this is called your diastolic pressure. A normal level is below 120/80. Typically more attention is given to the top number which is the systolic blood pressure, as their is usually a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. To maintain a normal reading, try adding these habits consistently into your lifestyle. Exercise often, as it aids in stress relief, weight loss, and most importantly strengthens your heart. One reason exercise is so effective at controlling blood pressure is because it stimulates your body to release a substance called nitric acid. Nitric acid causes blood vessels to open up, which reduces pressure. Eat a healthy, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts really works. You also need to avoid fats, red meat, and excess sugar and salt. Try to break any bad habits such as smoking or excessively drinking. Alcohol adds empty calories and nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, both causing blood pressure to rise. If you do not have normal blood pressure you may be experiencing either hypertension or hypotension.

Hypertension is considered high blood pressure, which is a common condition where the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension, and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. Those with hypertension can have it for years with no symptoms and never know. The longer it goes untreated the susceptible you are to damage of the heart and blood vessels. Many things can contribute to high pressures, such as age, being overweight, using tobacco, an unhealthy diet, stress, and chronic conditions. Hypertension left untreated can lead to heart attack and stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, and metabolic syndrome. However, if your pressure is low you may have what is called Hypotension or Low blood pressure.

Hypotension has a systolic blood pressure reading of about 90 to 100. Low blood pressure can cause symptoms of dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low pressures can be life threatening. Severely low blood pressure from any cause can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its normal functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain. The causes can range from dehydration to serious medical or surgical disorders. It is treatable, but it’s important to find out what’s causing your condition so that it can be properly treated. Some medical conditions that can cause low pressure are pregnancy, heart problems,dehydration, endocrine problems, blood loss, severe infection, and lack of nutrients in a diet. Many things can contribute to Hypotension, such as age, medications, and certain diseases. Make important changes to your lifestyle, eat right, exercise daily, and know your medical history and family background.

Now you know the truth about blood pressure and it’s importance to your health. Stay healthy, stay happy and monitor that blood flow. I think you catch my beat!

Alyssa Pasek