According to the description of MedlinePlus, website of the National Library of Medicine of the United States, blood pressure is the force with which the blood pushes once morest the walls of the arteries during the circulation process.
Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. So, the more intense the beats, the higher blood pressure (this is called systolic pressure). In contrast, when the heart is at rest, between beats, the blood pressure is lower (diastolic pressure).
Two numbers are used to read blood pressure, one for systolic pressure and one for diastolic pressure.. Now, to diagnose pressure problems it is essential to attend to these values through regular check-ups with a medical specialist.
- Normal blood pressure: systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80.
- High blood pressure (without other cardiac risk factors): systolic of 140 or greater and diastolic of 90 or greater.
- High blood pressure (with other cardiac risk factors): systolic of 130 or greater and diastolic of 80 or greater.
- Dangerously high blood pressure: systolic of 180 or greater and diastolic of 120 or greater.
Regarding the causes of hypertension, there are several factors that can affect blood pressure. For example:
- The amount of water and salt present in the body.
- The state of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels.
- Hormone levels.
MedlinePlus also notes that people are more likely to develop pressure problems as they age. This happens because blood vessels become stiffer with age.
High blood pressure also increases the chance of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, or early death.
The following population groups are more likely to develop hypertension:
- Obese people.
- People who frequently feel stressed or anxious.
- Those who drink too much alcohol (more than one drink a day for women and more than two a day for men).
- Those who include too much salt in their diet.
- They have a family history of high blood pressure.
- They suffer from diabetes.
- Smokers.
Prevention and treatment
If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, the next step is to talk to your doctor regarding what Changes in lifestyle should be adopted, likewise, determine if it is necessary to consume any medication.
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that reducing hypertension prevents heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage, in addition to other health problems.
In this sense, it details the following recommendations to prevent eventual blood pressure problems:
- Reduce salt intake (to less than 5 g daily).
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Do not consume tobacco.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Limit your intake of foods high in saturated fat.
- Eliminate/reduce trans fats from the diet.
Regarding what habits to acquire to control hypertension and avoid health complicationsthe WHO suggests reducing and managing stress, periodically measuring blood pressure and treating other disorders that the patient may present.
For its part, the United States National Library of Medicine notes advice such as eat a heart-healthy diet that includes potassium and fiber, drink plenty of water, get at least 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise at least three to four days a weeknot smoking, reduce the amount of alcohol consumed (if applicable), reduce the amount of sodium (salt) ingested, reduce stress, avoid scenarios that cause said sensation, try meditation or yoga to de-stress, and maintain a healthy body weight.
