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Blood pressure

The various occurrences of blood pressure

Blood pressure varies throughout the body. Whilst the heart chambers contract rhythmically, the heart valves ensure that the flow of blood occurs through specific arteries. The veins leading to the heart, funnel the blood at a lower pressure, so that the heart can carry on pumping out venous blood out of its chambers.

The blood vessels, which are also engulfed by ring-type muscles, can also partially contract along with the Heart. These vessels are referred to as arteries. In essence, it is the muscular function of the heart along with certain bigger vessels that control the blood flow.

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Blood pressure is extremely variable

Even the slightest strains or irritations can increase the blood pressure. In healthy individuals, such an increase will subside almost immediately. However, when the blood pressure changes frequently and rapidly it is to be taken seriously, as it may be due to ill health. If the blood pressure is too low it is described as hypotension. Common indicators are cold extremities as well as passing out. On the other hand, Hypertension is considered to be high blood pressure.

This is often caused by the tightening of the vessels and arteries due to fatty deposits within them (Arteriosclerosis), making it more difficult for the blood to pass freely. Other causes include the improperly functioning of organs such as the kidneys.

High blood pressure can lead to serious consequences, such as heart attack!

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Hypertension

Hypertension is often not recognized in its early stages, as symptoms are vague and therefore not noticed.

Furthermore, it is all too often that early warning signs are not taken seriously by the affected person, even sometimes for years. Moreover, not all signs arise concurrently.

As such, the following symptoms should be taken seriously and medical attention sought accordingly:

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Measuring the blood pressure

The classical and reliable method to measure a person’s blood pressure is done through the use of a stethoscope and an arm cuff (sphygmomanometer). The cuff is placed around the subject’s right arm at heart level, and quickly pumped with air (exceeding 250 mm Hg), resulting in the tightening of the cuff, after which the pressure is reduced gradually until an audible pumping of the artery in the arm is registered (systolic pressure). Upon further relaxation of the cuff’s pressure, the pumping becomes louder and then dissipates quickly and completely (diastolic pressure).

To determine whether or not a subject suffers from Hypertension, a medical professional will most likely subject the individual in question to prolonged observations. This is especially necessary, because a possible "one time" indication of high blood pressure does not necessarily make it so.

In fact, it is not uncommon for a person’s blood pressure to fluctuate from time to time, depending on that individual’s level of physical and or psychological stress. Irrelevant of age (of at least 50 years), the upper limit for acceptable blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 mm Hg. In particular, it is the diastolic pressure that needs to be considered, which should not surpass 90.

Should this level be between 91 and 95 on a regular basis, it is considered as borderline Hypertension. A level of 96 to 104 mm Hg is considered as mild Hypertension.

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Table indication normal levels

The following table serves and an indication of acceptable blood pressure levels, according to age:

systolic Pressure (mmHg)

diastolic Pressure (mmHg)

Age	Women	Men	Women	Men
20 - 29	119	123	72	74
30 - 39	120	123	74	74
40 - 49	134	127	82	77
50 - 59	147	134	88	82
60 - 69	159	154	92	88
70 - 79	175	161	93	87

 

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