Blood Pressure

What is Blood Pressure?

Our heart pumps blood through the arteries (muscular tubes carrying blood away from the heart) and creates different levels of pressure therein. The pressure produced by contractions of the heart within the arteries is called blood pressure.

Device normally used to measure blood pressure is the blood pressure cuff. Abnormality in blood pressure readings is helpful in indicating the symptoms.

Types of Blood Pressure

There are basically two types of blood pressure, high blood pressure and low blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg. A dramatic change in 120/80 mmHg reading over a period of time can lead to either type of the disease.

If either of the value increases, one is said to suffer from high blood pressure. The other word for high blood pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure treatment should start immediately as the disease is a potential health threat.

Blood pressure readings below the normal level indicate presence of a low blood pressure, also called hypotension.

A person once diagnosed with either of the blood pressure types should refer to a registered medical practitioner for further advice on treatment of the disease without further delay.

Causes of High and Low Blood Pressure

People can be seen having both types of symptoms, with high blood pressure affecting the majority of victims the world over. Blood pressure reading greater or equal to 140/90 mmHg indicates high blood pressure.

Exact causes of high blood pressure are not yet clear to medical science. Hypertension is caused due to factors such as high salt levels in blood, age, insulin resistance, genetic inheritance, etc.

The effects of high blood pressure pose a real threat of causing wide damage to the body. If left unchecked, the effects of high blood pressure on our body system can be catastrophic.

Dehydration (depletion of water reserve in the body) is the major cause of low blood pressure. Blood pressure medications including water pills should be avoided by those suffering from low blood pressure.

Symptoms of High and Low Blood Pressure

If one has signs of depression or stress, it is highly advisable to act quickly and get diagnosed for high or low blood pressure measurements.

This can be helpful in preventing against further spread and damage to health by pursuing appropriate course of pressure medications under the guidance of a registered physician.

Some physiotherapists suggest that regimen of diet, exercise and lifestyle change is sufficient to bring symptoms under control effectively.

Possible symptoms of hypertension are dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, bleeding nose, nausea. Symptoms of blood pressure lower than normal include paleness, nausea, dizziness, fainting often, loss of balance.

Treatment for High and Low Blood Pressure

Natural treatment for high blood pressure include relaxation, fish oil, vitamin E, folic acids, potassium, along with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes help improve blood pressure levels.

A balanced and healthy diet for high blood pressure patients is highly advised. It should consist of vegetables, food high in fiber content but low in cholesterol, fruits. Alternative medications include magneto therapy, herbal remedies, meditation, homeopathy, etc.

For low blood pressure, medications may give sustained relief but in most cases the medications merely help improve the condition, not cure it completely. It can also be treated by increasing intake of salt, drinking substantial amounts of water and following an exercise regimen.