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About Blood Pressure
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure occurs
when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury
(mmHg). One's natural blood pressure is represented by the fundamental
pressure, which is measured first thing in the morning while one is still at rest and
before eating.
What Is Hypertension And How Is It Controlled?
Hypertension,
an
abnormally
high arterial blood pressure, if left unattended, can
cause many health problems including stroke and heart attack. Hypertension can
be controlled by altering lifestyle, avoiding stress, and with medication under a
doctor’s supervision.
To prevent hypertension or keep it under control:
Do not smoke
Exercise regularly
Reduce salt and fat intake
Have regular physical checkups
Maintain proper weight
Why Measure Blood Pressure At Home?
Blood pressure measured at a clinic or doctor's office may cause apprehension
and can produce an elevated reading, 25 to 30 mmHg higher than that
measured at home. Home measurement reduces the effects of outside
influences on blood pressure readings, supplements the doctor's readings and
provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history.
WHO Blood Pressure
Classification
Standards
to
assess high blood
pressure, without regard to age,
have been established by the
World Health Organization
(WHO), as shown in the chart.
Blood Pressure Variations
An
individual’s blood pressure
varies greatly on a daily and
seasonal basis. It may vary by 30 to 50 mmHg
due to various conditions during the day. In
hypertensive individuals, variations are even
more pronounced. Normally, the blood
pressure rises while at work or play and falls to
its lowest levels during sleep. So, do not be
overly concerned by the results of one
measurement.
