The Highs And Lows Of Blood Pressure

If you want to live a healthy life, your blood pressure must not stray beyond the range of 120/80 mmHg. Monitor your readings regularly. If it spikes or plummets, you need to take action right away. Hypertension and hypotension are two blood pressure-related conditions that affect the flow of blood in your body and also impact your health. Pressure is created when the heart alternately contracts (systolic pressure, the higher number) and relaxes (diastolic pressure, lower number).

What is Hypertension/high blood pressure?

When the blood flowing through your vessels exerts too much pressure, you end up with hypertension. Both systolic and diastolic pressure can rise. Any reading, which exceeds 120 over 80, can be considered hypertension.

What complications arise out of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure unless brought under control, can prove to be fatal. It can lead to-

• Damage to the arteries- they lose their elasticity

• A part of the arterial wall can enlarge and protrude. This is called an aneurysm, which can rupture the artery and cause hemorrhage.

• The left ventricle enlarges and affects its functionality

• The muscles of the heart start dying and eventually leads to a heart attack

• The blood vessels of the brain may rupture, which can trigger a stroke

• Kidney failure can be the outcome when hypertension damages the arteries of the kidneys

• The nerves of your eyes could also be damaged

What is Hypotension/ low blood pressure?

If blood pressure drops below 90 over 60 it qualifies as slow blood pressure. It can be triggered by a reduced supply of blood to the heart caused by a poor diet or medication. Its consequences can range from minor to lethal-

• Dizziness and disorientation

• Fainting

• Pain in the chest

• Blurry vision

• Nausea

If the blood supply is affected, the brain, heart, and kidneys cannot function efficiently. Therefore, like hypertension, hypotension too can lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, and kidney failure. Low blood pressure becomes lethal on rare occasions. If you show no symptoms, then you are healthy despite hypotension.

Hypertension is much more dangerous than hypotension. High blood pressure claims lives. However, both should be addressed as soon as possible with the right diet, exercise, and medicines if necessary.