We are all aware of the problem of High Blood pressure. In our day to day life we come across many people suffering from hypertension. But what is the actual concept and process of blood pressure? Let us try to find out.

What is Blood Pressure?

Our body requires pressure for circulation of blood through the body. This pressure is created by the pumping of heart. The blood vessels perform the function of controlling this pressure. In medical language the normal blood pressure is measured in the form of systolic pressure upon diastolic pressure. The normal systolic pressure is 120mm and diastolic pressure is 80mm in normal case. In nutshell, the pressure required for carrying the blood through the blood vessels its circulation in the body is called as blood pressure.

How the process of blood pressure does occur?

The blood exerts pressure on the walls of the blood vessels during the cardiac cycle. When the heart contracts the pressure exerted is more and when the heart relaxes the pressure exerted is less. The pressure exerted in the contraction state of heart is called the systolic pressure and is the maximum pressure on the arteries while the pressure exerted in the relaxed state of heart is the minimum pressure on the arteries and is called as diastolic pressure.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension

Hypertension is the condition when the blood pressure is extremely high. The normal range of blood pressure is 120/80 while in case of hypertension the range of blood pressure increases to 140/90. Near about 88 crores people in the world suffers from hypertension. In India, 6 crores people have this disease and even youngsters are also not exempted from this disease. Earlier, the high blood pressure was seen in the people of age more than 50 but now ratio children of age group 15-20 years suffering from hypertension is increasing rapidly. In India, 20% people are of the age group 35-44 and they are suffering from hypertension, diabetes and high level of cholesterol.

How the blood pressure is measured?

Sphygmomanometer is the device used for measuring the blood pressure. Blood pressure is never specific and so if it is increased state it should be measured at three consecutive days at the same time.

What are the causes of hypertension?

Following are the causes of hypertension:

1) In today’s hectic life the main cause of hypertension is stress.

2) The changed lifestyle due to industrialization

3) Excessive intake of spicy and oily food

4) Excessive consumption of coffee and fast-food, smoking, alcohol

 5) Smoking reduces the life by 5 minutes. If a person takes 5 puffs of cigarette in one minute then it increases the blood pressure by 12/8mm and the heart beats increases by15 beats.

6) Tendency to lead a pleasurable life

7) Lack of exercise

8) Increasing age

9) Excessive consumption if salt in diet.

10) The ailments of kidney and thyroid are also responsible for hypertension.

 Why High blood pressure is called as silent killer?  

Generally the increase in blood pressure is detected at the time of routing medical check-up but the symptoms of hypertension is seen in 70-80% people after it has started affecting the various organs of the body. Generally the symptoms are seen after the disease has reached a critical stage. The symptoms of high blood pressure are seen in the most sensitive organs of the body.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

The various symptoms of hypertension include:

1) Tiredness

2) Headache

3) Bleeding through the nose

4) Sleeplessness

5) Memory loss

6) Excessive sweating

7) Uneasiness

8) Pain in chest

9) Palpitation

Why should hypertension be treated at proper time?

If the hypertension is not treated then it means that 20 years of our life has reduced. Hypertension increases the chance of heart attack by 3%. Also the average risk of heart failure, loss of sight, kidney failure, and defect in blood vessels also increases by 3-4%.

How to control hypertension?

Regular check-up Of Blood Pressure

To avoid the adverse consequences of hypertension, following care should be taken;

1) Regularly check the blood pressure level.

2) The diet should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

3) Reduce weight

4) Avoid excessive consumption of salt, sugar and fatty substances.

5) Adequate intake of green vegetables and vegetarian food.

6) Avoid smoking, alcohol and fast food completely

7) Follow regular diet, proper medication and regularity in life.