Jeremiah Slivka asked:


What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure consists of two number; a top and bottom number. The top number is the systolic pressure. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries as your heart beats. If your systolic number is higher than one hundred and forty you have high blood pressure. Even if your diastolic number is not high you can still have ‘isolated systolic hypertension.’ This means only your systolic number is high.

This is more common for older Americans. This pressure usually increases with age whereas diastolic pressure decreases after fifty-five. You might not know if you have isolated systolic hypertension so ask your doctor if you are concerned.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. For younger people this is a very important number. The higher this pressure is the more you are at risk. This blood pressure lowers as you get older and your systolic increases. Therefore diastolic is more important in younger people and systolic in older.

Normal blood pressure is less than one hundred and twenty over less than eighty. If your pressure is between the normal numbers and one hundred and thirty-nine over eighty-nine, you have what is called prehypertension. This puts you at risk to develop high blood pressure in the future but it easily preventable.

Hypertension is a name for high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease or even strokes. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it should and can lead to blindness, kidney disease and even congestive heart failure.

According to statistics high blood pressure killed over fifty-four thousand people in 2004. Statistics also show that twenty-eight percent of people have high blood pressure and aren’t even aware of it. Are you one of them?

You should be aware of the risks of high blood pressure so you can avoid them as best as you can. High blood pressure is a risk for stroke and heart disease. While some risks can be altered or fixed, some cannot. For instance if you use tobacco or are overweight you are at risk for high blood pressure.

You can easily fix this by trying to quit using tobacco and watching your diet to help lose weight. If you have trouble doing either of these on your own, consult your physician. They may be able to prescribe you something or give you useful information to help.

High blood pressure can affect certain parts of your body as well. You might suffer from a stroke. This happens because the high blood pressure can break a weak blood vessel leaving it to bleed into the brain. Also if you have a blood clot blocking a narrow artery, you can also experience a stroke.

Sometimes impaired vision or blindness can occur from high blood pressure. It might eventually cause your blood vessels in your eye to bleed or burst leaving you with blurred or impaired vision.

Your arteries harden as you age, even more so for those in your heart, brain and kidneys. These harder arteries are associated with high blood pressure. When this happens your kidneys and heart have to work harder. If you have any questions or concerns about your blood pressure ask your doctor. They can answer any questions you might have and find a solution if you do in fact have high blood pressure or might be prone to it. It’s never too late to take care of your body, including your blood pressure.



Cindy

Jeremiah Slivka asked:


What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of your blood against your artery walls. When you have your blood pressure checked the reading has two numbers; one on top and one on bottom.

The top number is your systolic pressure. This is the force of your blood in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. This is the force of your blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes in-between beats.

Normal blood pressure would be a reading of 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure would be a reading of 140/90 or higher. If you have high blood pressure you are at a greater risk of a stroke or heart and kidney disease.

Many things can cause high blood pressure including physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, stress and your diet. These are only a few things. Certain medical conditions and medications can also cause high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can cause your body to have certain effects. For instance it can cause a stroke. The high pressure can cause a weakened blood vessel to break causing it to bleed into the brain; thus leaving you with a stroke.

High blood pressure can also sometimes cause your blood vessels in your eyes to bleed or burst. If this happens your vision will be blurred or impaired and might even result in blindness. Another reason it is best to keep control on your blood pressure.

Along with a stroke or kidney disease high blood pressure can also cause a heart attack. Your arteries are what bring blood carrying oxygen to your heart muscle. If your heart is not getting enough oxygen you will experience chest pain. If the blood flow is blocked as well you will experience a heart attack.

Congestive Heart Failure is very common among people with high blood pressure. This is a very serious condition where your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the needs of your body. It is never too late to start taking control of your health starting with your blood pressure.

Anyone can develop high blood pressure, even children. It is more common for African Americans to develop it. Many Americans will develop high blood pressure as they age but that doesn’t mean it is healthy.

Obesity plays a role in high blood pressure. If you are over weight you are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure as well as a stroke or heart disease. Try to lose at least ten pounds and this will help lower your blood pressure significantly.

Eating a healthy diet is a great way to lower or control your blood pressure. Limit your intake of salt and sodium and introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Once you establish your healthy diet you will have less worry of developing high blood pressure.

You should always have your blood pressure checked at your regular doctor visits. If you have high blood pressure and are concerned you can easily monitor from home. If you do this you want to have your doctor look at your home monitoring device to help ensure it is effective and you are operating it correctly.

Keep track of your blood pressure readings so you can see what is helping and what isn’t. Sometimes regular lifestyle changes alone won’t help as much as they would combined with blood pressure medication. Your doctor will be able to tell you what the best option for your needs would be.



Alexander

Patricia Church asked:


Do you know what your blood pressure is? If not, you should! High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the number one risk factor for death and debilitation from a stroke. Longstanding hypertension can also damage the heart muscle, causing a condition known as congestive heart failure, in which the heart’s ability to squeeze and pump blood throughout the body is impaired. When this occurs, fluid can back up into the lungs, legs and throughout the body, leading to shortness of breath, weakness and potential renal failure. High blood pressure can also contribute to the development of coronary artery disease, causing the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle to become clogged. Coronary artery disease, in the form of a “heart attack” is a leading cause of death in the United States.

Systolic blood pressure, the top number of the blood pressure reading, indicates the amount of force exerted explosively against the blood vessel walls each time the heart contracts and pumps out blood. Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number of the reading, indicates the amount of pressure constantly present in the arteries when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood in preparation for the next contraction. The old standard for the upper end of a “normal” blood pressure reading was 140/90. That number has recently been revised, and at this time medical experts recommend the “normal” blood pressure should be kept at or below 120/70.

Because of these potentially serious health risks associated with hypertension, it’s a good idea for everyone to be aware of what their own blood pressure reading normally is. Hypertension doesn’t announce its presence with a fever, stomach pain or bleeding, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer”. Even seemingly healthy people can have high blood pressure, and not know it. Certainly individuals who do have identifiable risk factors for hypertension – like smoking, obesity, poor diet, excess sodium consumption, growing older (oops … that’s all of us!) should be aware that they are at risk for experiencing the consequences of chronic hypertension. The only way to find out for sure, however, is to have it checked. Unfortunately, many people only have their blood pressure taken when they are sitting in the doctor’s office in a skimpy gown, anxiously waiting for the exam room door to open. Of course, under these conditions, whose blood pressure wouldn’t be a little high? There is actually a term for this – it’s called “white coat syndrome”, because the anxiety experienced under these circumstances nearly always causes the blood pressure readings to be higher than they would in normal, more relaxed situations. The “white coat” blood pressure measurements may be inadequate to accurately assess what a person’s typical blood pressure reading is.

Usually, blood pressure readings are lowest in the morning when a person is first getting out of bed. It is quite typical for there to be many variations in blood pressure throughout the day related to anxiety, stress, activity, eating, sleep and relaxation. More accurate than the occasional reading taken in the doctor’s office, then, would be a regular measurement taken under similar circumstances, at the same time of day, in a relaxed environment.

Good news! Relaxed and more reliable blood pressure readings are now possible. There are quite a number of inexpensive blood pressure measuring devices available that are pretty easy to use at home.

Type #1: A digital monitor: Because the digital monitor is automatic, it is the most popular blood-pressure measuring device. The blood pressure measurement is easy to read, because the numbers are shown on a screen. Some electronic monitors even have a paper printout that gives you a record of the blood pressure reading.

The digital monitor is easier to use than the usual cuff and stethoscope system. It has a gauge and stethoscope in one unit, and the numbers are easy to read. It also has an error indicator, and deflation is automatic. Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. This blood pressure monitoring device is good for hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to heart sounds through the stethoscope.

A disadvantage of the digital monitor is that the accuracy can be affected by body movements or an irregular heart rate. In addition, the monitor requires batteries. Some models are designed for use with the left arm only. This may make them hard for some patients to use. Finally, some digital monitors are expensive. They range in price from about $30 to over $100.

Type #2: A finger / wrist blood pressure monitor? Tests have shown that finger/wrist devices may not measure blood pressure as precisely as those devices that measure on the arm. The key to utilizing the results from these devices is to be very careful to follow the exact instructions for arm placement and positioning. Also, using the same device, with the same arm and body positioning, and measuring at the same time of the day will give consistent readings to use for comparison on a day to day basis. Many of these home models are priced less than $50.00. Important features to look for in a blood pressure monitor Make sure to get the proper cuff size. Blood pressure readings will be incorrect if your cuff is the wrong size, so ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to tell you the cuff size you need, based on the size of your arm. The numbers on the monitor must be easy for you to read. If you are using a stethoscope, you must be able to hear heart sounds through it.

Cost may be an important factor. Since home blood pressure units vary in price, you may have to shop around. The most expensive units might not be the best or the most accurate. Once you buy your monitor, take it to your doctor’s office to be checked for accuracy. Be aware that proper care and storage are also necessary. Make sure the tubing is not twisted when the monitor is stored, and keep it away from heat. Periodically check the tubing for cracks and leaks. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you how to use your blood pressure monitor correctly.

Taking daily measurements and keeping a record to present to the doctor at each visit will enable him/her to better evaluate your “normal” blood pressure and to determine appropriate treatment measures. The American Heart Association has developed a blood pressure tracker that I highly recommend. I urge each of you to log on, sign up and begin to utilize this tool. At your next visit, bring these results for your doctor to review. This will insure that your next doctor visit will be a less anxious “white coat” situation, and more to the point of meeting your health needs.

You may wonder why I have gone into such detail about hypertension. Both of my parents have high blood pressure. My own blood pressure tends to run on the high side. My wonderful sister, Susan had high blood pressure, and was on daily medication at the age of 37. She died at age 38, in part, because an aneurism in her brain that had probably been there for many years ruptured. That rupture, and her ultimate death may very well have been prevented if she had not been extremely overweight and if her blood pressure had not been so high.

It’s one of my missions in life to help others become more healthy and to live a better life. Hypertension is one very big problem for a lot of people. The first step is to raise awareness and to develop an understanding of what the problem is. Now …go to the American Heart Association blood pressure tracker, log on and begin to monitor your own blood pressure readings.



Amanda

SANJAY KAK asked:


As we know force exerted by moving blood in the blood vessels is principal vital sign for Blood Pressure. It is result of heart pumping blood out into the arteries to all organs of the body. This is exerted by heart is regulated by arteries by flowing blood into whole body.

Normal blood pressure for human body is 120/80; these numbers are expressed in medical term as Systolic (top) and Diastolic (Bottom). The above number Systolic happens when pressure in arteries increases due to heart contraction and pumps blood out into arteries. The bottom number Diastolic happens when pressure in arteries decreases due to relaxation of heart after it contracts.

In medical term is called Hypotension or low blood pressure. This happens due to low flow of blood through arteries. Low flow of blood in arteries and veins can lead to less oxygen being passed to vital organs. In case of less oxygen being passed to brain, heart, kidney and eye, they can get damage and in some serious situations it can permanently damaged vital organs.

In case of high blood pressure we don’t have any warning, but low blood pressure is defined by signs of low blood flow.

The low blood pressure also as medical term named as Hypotension. When a person has blood pressure range of 90/60, he or she has low blood pressure. Normal blood pressure for human is in the range of 120/80. The upper reading is Systolic pressure and the below reading is Diastolic pressure. People suffering from low blood pressure have less blood flowing to heart, kidney, brain and other important organs of the body.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure

Some of the reasons which can lead to low blood pressure:

1. Pregnancy.

2. The hormonal problems, diabetes, under active thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

3. Some over-the-counter medications can create this problem.

4. The Overdose of high blood pressure drugs.

5. Disrupting functioning of heart.

6. Abnormal heart beats or rhythms.

7. Heat stroke.

8. Liver disease.

Following reason can also cause sudden drops in blood pressure and can lead to life-threatening situation.

1. Loss of blood (bleeding).

2. Low body temperature.

3. High body temperature.

4. Heart muscle disease causing heart failure.

5. Sepsis, a severe blood infection.

6. Severe dehydration.

7. Due to reaction from medication.

8. The severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).



Karen

MejoJohn asked:


Blood pressure indicates the force exerted by the blood against the blood vessel walls. Blood pressure is generated by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and is regulated by the response by the arteries to the flow of blood. The blood pressure of an individual is expressed in two ways – systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For instance if the blood pressure reading is shown as 120 / 80, then the systolic blood pressure (the top number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart contracts and pumps blood into them and the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart relaxes after it contracts.

Blood pressure always is higher when the heart is pumping than when it is relaxing. Blood pressure represents one of the principal vital signs of life, which include heart beat, rate of breathing, and temperature.

It is seen that the systolic blood pressure for most healthy adults ranges between 90 and 120 millimeters of mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure falls between 60 and 80 mm Hg. Blood pressures reading over 130/80 are considered as high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing cardiac problems, kidney disorders, hardening of arteries, eyesight problems, paralytic stroke etc. Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, is due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low and fails to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs are not able to function normally and get permanently damaged.

It is to be noted that unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is diagnosed primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by any specific blood pressure number. Some individuals may have a blood pressure of 90/50 with no symptoms of low blood pressure and therefore can be considered as not having low blood pressure. But strangely those who normally have high blood pressure may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.

High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, causes the heart to overwork to force blood through the circulatory system. Over time, this excess strain can severely damage the heart’s muscle and tissue. It can also lead to hardening of the arteries called in medical circles as atherosclerosis. Persons suffering from high blood pressure run a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease, severe eye damage including loss of vision.

As per recent estimates, nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because they do not experience any symptoms, most of them do not know they suffer from high blood pressure. As a matter of fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. This is why high blood pressure is often described as the “silent killer.” The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

It is said that in the United States, almost 70 percent of people above the age of 65 have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also common among people of all ages who are overweight. A number of risk factors are said to contribute to high blood pressure, although the exact reasons are still somewhat unknown. People who have no physical activity and eat poor and irregular diets are more prone to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can often be controlled with drugs but lifestyle changes are the best prescription for long term remedy.



Dora