What is Blood Pressure?

It is checked every time you visit the doctor, but exactly what is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a vital sign that refers to the amount of force imposed on the walls of the arteries by circulating blood. When the heart beats, pumping blood into the arteries, blood pressure is at its highest point. This highpoint is called systolic blood pressure. The point of the lowest amount of pressure on the artery walls, which occurs between heartbeats, is called the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed using both the systolic and diastolic pressure readings. An example of a normal blood pressure may be 120/80 mmHg, which is expressed verbally as “120 over 80.” The top number represents the systolic pressure, while the bottom number represents the diastolic pressure.

Periodic blood pressure checks are important because there are often no symptoms to indicate blood pressure problems. Blood pressure in an individual varies throughout any given day, and is lowest during sleep or rest. High blood pressure, called hypertension, puts strain on the heart to work harder and carries increased risk of other complications such as stroke and heart failure. The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown in most cases, but some risk factors are genetics (family history of hypertension), obesity, smoking, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Low blood pressure could also be reason for concern as it could indicate underlying health problems.

Today, easy to use digital blood pressure monitors make it easy for people to check their own blood pressure at home. These are helpful devices for people who are working to manage their blood pressure through diet or medication and need regular readings. Consulting with a medical professional is important if any abnormalities in blood pressure are observed through home readings. High or low blood pressure is cause for additional testing to detect or rule out underlying conditions.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. For quality cervical collars, a wide elbow brace selection and other quality braces, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

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Risks of High Blood Pressure

Everyone who has ever been to the doctor has had their blood pressure checked. Without blood pressure you wouldn’t be able to live. The blood could not circulate though out the body and carry oxygen to your vital organs. One in every five Americans has hypertension!

You can live for many years with high blood pressure without seeing or feeling any symptoms. This is why hypertension is often nick named, “the silent killer.” Even though you are not showing any signs the high blood pressure is still affecting your bodily functions.

Blood pressure is very easy to check. A cuff is wrapped around your arm and then the cuff is pumped full of air, the air is then let out slowly and your blood then slowly can return to the artery. The nurse will count the time between the beats and how many beats in a certain amount of time. An average blood pressure is 120 over 80.

The force when your artery beats against your blood vessel walls and when your artery is at rest is your blood pressure. A high blood pressure also known as hypertension is about 140 over 90. Low blood pressure is considered at 90 over 60. This is when symptoms start to occur.

Understanding your blood pressure is important because there are many risks with both high and low blood pressures. With high blood pressure you have a greater risk of coronary heart disease/, heart attack, and strokes. Anyone can have high blood pressure. It is most common to have higher blood pressure once you reach the age of 35, but it is not uncommon for children to have high blood pressure as well.

People that are most common to have high blood pressure are middle aged to elderly. Also smokers and drinkers are proven to have elevated blood pressure level. Women who take birth control often are at risk as well. People with kidney disease, mellitus, or gout may have high blood pressure as well.

Your blood pressure can change at any time. It is affected by many things from activity to stress. Other things that can affect it are diet, temperature, posture, and medications. Knowing if you already have high blood pressure is important, due to the fact that you may want to limit your physical activity, or watch what medications you are taking.

Your blood pressure can affect your body in many ways. Having hypertension adds a workload onto you heart. In return you heart has to pump and work much harder to carry the blood through arteries that are under great pressure. Other areas of your body may be affected as well, such as you kidney, eyes, and brain.

Hypertension can be life long, or temporary. Keeping in under control and treating it is the most important thing you can do. Starting a treatment program with your doctor is important in overcoming this disease, or keeping it under control. Before trying blood pressure pills with risky side effects try a supplement that promotes oxygen in the blood and controls high blood pressure. This product is called Hypertril by Hamida Pharma.

Be safe and get your blood pressure checked. Go to regular doctor visits and inquire about your blood pressure! This could save your life.

Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active, and healthy lifestyle. For more information and products for immune boosting and other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements.

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