Regular Blood Pressure Checkups Are Crucial.

Blood Pressure Explained:

As blood is pumped through the body by the heart, a force is exerted on the blood vessel walls as a result of each heart beat and rest period. This force is referred to by medical professionals as blood pressure, which describes the force as applied to the stream of blood flowing through the body. To measure blood pressure a cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and air pressure is applied to determine the individuals measurement. It is displayed on a gauge and shown as millimeters of mercury (mmHg). When a doctor or nurse take your blood pressure they consider two distinct measurements. The first is called Systolic Pressure and this is the force exerted on the blood vessel wall at the time that the heart is contracting. The second is called the Diastolic Pressure and this is the force exerted on the blood vessel wall during the heart's rest period. These two separate measurements are always taken.

Blood Pressure measurements can vary greatly from person to person and can even change from one heart beat to another. Frequently, the medical specialist will take several measurements, one when the you are sitting and another when you are lying down. This will provide an average, which can then be assessed. Sometimes, measurements are taken at various times of the day, over a period of time, in order for the specialist to have a more accurate indication. Maintaining a normal blood pressure is an important aspect in avoiding health complications and as a result, a person is less likely to develop cardiovascular or other problems. Abnormally high or low blood pressure can lead to potentially fatal consequences. It is extremely important to make sure that your health care specialist checks your blood pressure at regular intervals. This is particularly the case for older persons.

Dr. Owen R. Thompson offers advice on how frequently you should
have your blood pressure checked by your health professional.

What are Healthy Levels?

A healthy level for blood pressure, is a systolic measurement of between 90 and 119 and a diastolic measurement of 60-79. Generally, people with lower average measurements are less prone to the health complications associated with what is referred to as hypertension and hypotension. Children will mostly a have a blood pressure that is lower than adults. Generally the older you are the higher your blood pressure is likely to be.

Pre-hypertension:

If more than one of your blood pressure tests results in a reading of between 120/80 and 139/89 you have what is known as pre-hypertension. This means that you are at risk of developing hypertension. If you have pre-hypertension, it would be wise for you to consider making certain lifestyle adjustments.  For the benefit of maintaining your health, you should reduce any overweight problem and engage in regular exercise. You should also avoid or substantially reduce your intake of nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, saturated fats and sodium.

Hypertension:

Hypertension is the name for high blood pressure and there are two stages to this. Stage one hypertension has a measurement of between 140/90 and 159/99. Of course, there are various prescription medications that can be taken to reduce the problem, however, a change of lifestyle can also be used as a remedy to treat hypertension as necessary. People with hypertension have a greatly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm, kidney failure and eye problems.

Stage two hypertension has a measurement of 160/100 or more. People who have elevated hypertension are at a particularly high risk of very serious health problems, as mentioned above. They require rapid and aggressive medical treatment if they are to avoid having a massive heart attack or stroke.

Hypotension:

Hypotension is the name used to describe low blood pressure. A low measurement will vary from one person to the next. In other words, an individual with a diastolic pressure of 60 may experience no adverse symptoms while the next person may commence to react badly if their measurement drops to 70. A severe case of hypotension is dangerous because it means that the oxygen and important nutrients in the bloodstream are not reaching vital organs. This can cause organ damage or failure and in the most extreme cases, a coma or even death.

Hypotension has numerous potential causes, some of which are pregnancy, certain medications, blood loss, inadequate nutrition, dehydration and septicaemia. You can reduce your risk of developing hypotension by having a healthy diet composed of sufficient calories, vitamins and minerals and by drinking plenty of water.

Are there Natural Remedies?

Whilst medications can be taken, many of these could result in side effects, some very serious. There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that natural remedies to maintaining a healthy blood pressure are the best for you in the long term. 

Read our review of one of the best Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure.

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