BLOOD PRESSURE

 Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is expressed as two numbers, with the first (systolic) number indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and

Blood pressure types 

There are two types of blood pressure:

1. Systolic

2. Diastolic.

Systolic

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood out. It is the first number in a blood pressure reading.

Diastolic

Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. It is the second number in a blood pressure reading.

 

Normal blood pressure is typically considered to be a systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mmHg.

Hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher, and it increases the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Hypotension is a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mmHg or lower, and it can cause dizziness or fainting.

 

Blood Pressure Categories

Additionally, there are three categories of blood pressure based on the reading:

 

Normal: systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg

 

Prehypertension: systolic between 120-139 mmHg and diastolic between 80-89 mmHg

 

Hypertension (high blood pressure) : systolic greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 90 mmHg

 Blood pressure side effects 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can have several serious side effects on the body if left untreated. Some of these side effects include:

 

Heart damage:

High blood pressure can cause the heart to work harder, which can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

 

Damage to blood vessels:

High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels to become narrowed, which can increase the risk of blood clots and blockages. This can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.

 

Kidney damage:

High blood pressure can cause the kidneys to work harder, which can lead to damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys and a decrease in their ability to filter waste products from the blood.

 

Cognitive decline:

Studies have suggested that high blood pressure may be associated with cognitive decline, including a decline in memory and thinking skills.

 

Vision loss:

 High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed, leading to vision loss.

 

Sexual dysfunction:

High blood pressure can cause erectile dysfunction in men and a decrease in sexual desire in both men and women.

 

Sleep apnea:

High blood pressure can be associated with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can cause loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and daytime drowsiness.

 

It is very important to keep the blood pressure in check and consult with a doctor in case of any significant change.

 

Blood pressure treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure, or hypertension, typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

 

Lifestyle changes that may help lower blood pressure include:

Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat

Maintaining a healthy weight

Exercising regularly

Limiting alcohol consumption

Not smoking

Managing stress

Medications that may be used to treat hypertension include:

Diuretics:

These medications help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, which can lower blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors:

These medications help relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Calcium channel blockers: These medications help relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Beta blockers:

These medications slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs):

These medications block the action of a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow, which helps lower blood pressure.

Aldosterone antagonists:

These medications help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, which can lower blood pressure.

The medication used and the dosage is prescribed by the doctor based on the patient's condition and other factors. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment and make regular follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor blood pressure levels and adjust the treatment as needed.