Understanding Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

 

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries as it is pumped through the circulatory system by the heart. It is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number), which is the pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart contracts, and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which is the pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg, with variations based on age, health status, and other factors. High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, while low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.

What is normal blood pressure as per age?

The following table shows the normal blood pressure range for adults based on their age, as per the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines:

Age Group Normal Blood Pressure Range

18-39 years Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg - Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg

40-59 years Systolic: Less than 130 mm Hg - Diastolic: Less than 80-89 mm Hg

60 years and older Systolic: Less than 140 mm Hg - Diastolic: Less than 90 mm Hg

It is important to note that blood pressure may vary from person to person and can be affected by various factors such as stress, physical activity, and medication use. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure regularly and consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns.

What are the 3 types of blood pressure?

There are three types of blood pressure, but rather two main types: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Here's an explanation of each:

Systolic blood pressure: This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out. Systolic blood pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading, and it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A normal systolic blood pressure reading is less than 120 mm Hg.

Diastolic blood pressure: This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading, and it is also measured in mm Hg. A normal diastolic blood pressure reading is less than 80 mm Hg.

Mean arterial pressure: This is a calculated value that takes into account both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and it represents the average pressure in your arteries over the course of a heartbeat. Mean arterial pressure is calculated as (2 x diastolic blood pressure + systolic blood pressure)/3. This value is important for assessing overall cardiovascular health and can help guide treatment decisions in some cases.

It is worth noting that blood pressure can vary throughout the day and can be affected by various factors such as stress, physical activity, and medication use. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure regularly and consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns.

How Control Blood Pressure Naturally?

There are several natural ways to help control blood pressure:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your blood pressure. Losing even a few pounds can help reduce blood pressure.

2. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

3. Reduce sodium intake: Eating too much sodium can cause your body to retain water, which can increase blood pressure. Limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower blood pressure.

5. Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can cause your blood pressure to increase. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

7. Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can increase blood pressure. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

It's important to remember that these natural methods may not work for everyone and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you're experiencing high blood pressure.