Millions of Indians suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and stroke. Maintaining excellent health requires knowing how to control blood pressure.
This blog seeks to give an in-depth, Indian-specific look into blood pressure regulation from Dr. Best’s point of view.
What is blood pressure?
BP is an important force that moves blood through our circulatory system. It is important because,, without blood pressure, nutrients and oxygen would not be pushed around our circulatory system to nourish organs and tissues.
BP is also important because it delivers white blood cells and hormones like insulin and antibodies for immunity.
B.P. is also important for the pickup of the toxic waste of the metabolism, which includes the toxins that clear from our liver and kidneys and the carbon dioxide we exhale with every breath.
Blood also carries a number of different properties, which include its temperature, the clotting platelets that prevent blood loss at the time of injury and its defence against tissue damage.
Our heart is responsible for creating the BP by forcing the blood to contract with every heartbeat. There are some other factories that are also responsible for creating BP.
Blood flows in our body because of the difference in pressure. Our blood pressure is highest at the start of its journey from the heart and lowest at the end of its journey in the smaller branches of the arteries.
These pressure differences cause the blood to flow to our bodies.
To measure the blood pressure, a sphygmomanometer is used. The measuring unit of the blood pressure is millimeter of mercury, abbreviated to mmHG.
Blood pressure readings consist of two figures.
- Systolic Pressure
- Diastolic Pressure
Systolic pressure is the higher reading caused by the heart’s contraction. Diastolic pressure is the blood pressure between heartbeats.
If your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, It means your systolic pressure is 120 mmHg and your Pressure is 80 mmHg.
Ranges of BP
- Low Blood Pressure or hypotension: systolic mmHg 90 or less, or Diastolic mmHg 60 or less.
- Normal Blood Pressure is Systolic mmHg 90–119 and Diastolic mmHg 60–79.
- HIgh Blood Pressure or hypertension: systolic mmHg 120–139, or Diastolic mmHg 60–79.
Disorder of BP
- High Blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low Blood pressure (hypotension)
- High BP is also known as Hypertension. If someone has high BP, it means that the walls of arteries on constant basis are receiving too much pressure.
Many people with Hypertension will not experience any kind of symptoms, which is why it is also known as “silent killer”. If the BP reaches levels about 180/110 mmHg, this is a medical emergency also known as Hypertension crisis. The Symptoms Which show are :
- Nosebleeds
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Double or Blurred Vision
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
Low Blood Pressure is also known as Hypotension. If someone has low BP means that nutrients and oxygen may not reach to the key organs of the body. Hypotension also lead to serious heart problems. It is also linked to the shock.
Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | < 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | > 120 |
The Symptoms of Low BP are:
- Thirst
- Blurred vision
- Cold, pale skin and clammy
- Depression
- Fatigue and weakness
Tips to maintain a Healthy BP are :
- Maintain a healthy Weight
- Eat Balanced diet
- Cut down sodium
- Regular exercise
In summary
Blood pressure control is essential for preserving heart health and averting major consequences. People can efficiently control their blood pressure by leading a healthy lifestyle and heeding medical advice. In order to control blood pressure, Dr. Best highlights the significance of routine monitoring, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle. Seek guidance and treatment from a healthcare provider on an individual basis.
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