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Blood pressure: Vital facts to be aware of

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When it comes to the blood pressure, it is vital that you know the normal range and when it is too high or low. It is important to note that high blood pressure or hypertension can lead to various issues such as stroke, arterial damage, heart attack and even eye or kidney damage.

Measurement

The blood pressure is represented as fraction or division form with the bigger number on top and the smaller number at the bottom.

  • The upper number is the systolic which is the pressure within the arteries during the contraction of the heart.
  • The bottom number is the diastolic pressure which measures the arteries during rest between beats.

How is the blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure
A pressure reading lower than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic is considered as normal.

The pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The sphygmomanometer is the cuff placed around the arm and expanded to press the artery and prevents blood flow and then air is discharged. Once the blood flows again, the healthcare professional will check the reading and establish the systolic blood pressure. Once the pulse subsides, the diastolic blood pressure is measured.

In most cases, it is best to take another reading if the first one is high. The individual is asked to relax and then the pressure is measured again. Remember that anxiety can increase the pressure. In some cases, an individual might have a high reading in one arm and not on the other due to an issue with the veins.

What is the normal and not?

A pressure reading lower than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic is considered as normal. If the reading is between 120 and 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic, it is at the pre-hypertension phase. If above 140 systolic or 90 diastolic, it is considered as high blood pressure.

Low blood pressure or hypotension can lead to symptoms such as confusion, blurry vision, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and weakness. An abrupt and drastic drop in the blood pressure can starve essential bodily organs such as the brain and heart from oxygen. Remember that hypotension does not have a hard and rapid range. As long as the low reading does not trigger any symptoms, one does not have to worry.

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