Blood pressure is the rate at which the heart pumps blood around the body. Your heart needs to deliver enough blood and oxygen for the body to function efficiently. Your arteries are narrow tubes through which blood continually flows. It is the rate at which blood pushes against their walls that determines whether your blood pressure is normal, high or low. If it is too high (hypertension) or too low (hypotension) it can cause health problems.
High blood pressure isn’t just a concern of the elderly – it can affect young girls, pregnant women and children so it is important to know what your reading is.
How Blood Pressure is Measured
It is taken as two measurements – a top and bottom number and measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg): -
- Systolic (top number) is the highest rate at which your blood pushes against the artery walls.
- Diastolic (bottom number) is the resting level between heartbeats.
Blood pressure isn’t constant – it fluctuates throughout the day in response to stress and activity. It can rise during a medical consultation because you are feeling stressed, which is referred to as ‘white coat’ hypertension. So, it’s important to have it tested more than once.
Diagnosing Blood Pressure
The first step is to see your GP or practice nurse for testing. The Blood Pressure Association runs an annual awareness week called ‘Know Your Numbers’ (September 7-13th 2009) during which free testing is available on the high street. Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which is strapped to the upper arm to give an accurate reading. Ambulatory (24 hour) monitoring devices are also available for home use.
What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?
90/60** or less – low.
Over 90/60 and less than 120/80 – normal.
Over 120/80 and less than 140/90 – slightly high, make some lifestyle changes.
140/90 or above (consistently) – high, seek medical advice.
**mmHg = Millimetres of mercury. Source: The Blood Pressure Society.
Symptoms of High and Low Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because there may be no symptoms; a person can have it for years and not know. Symptoms of excessively high blood pressure include headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. Men have reported suffering from erectile dysfunction as a result. Long-term high blood pressure is a major cause of death and disability and can lead to strokes and cardiovascular disease so it needs to be treated. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, mental fogginess and a general feeling of weakness.
Causes of High and Low Blood Pressure
There are various factors, which can increase the risk of high or low blood pressure. High blood pressure can be hereditary, due to ethnicity (Afro-Caribbean and South Asian populations are susceptible). Other risk factors include aging, pregnancy, a diet high in salt and saturated fat, excess alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise and prolonged stress. Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalance, nerve or kidney problems, or other medication can cause low blood pressure.
Treating Blood Pressure Problems
Lifestyle changes can be the quickest and most effective way of reducing slightly high blood pressure. Experts suggest a regular exercise routine (30 minutes every day at least five times a week), cutting down on salty, high fat foods and eating more fruit, vegetables and oily fish. Smoking raises blood pressure by constricting the blood flow through the arteries. Conversely, if you have low blood pressure you may need to eat more salt. Your GP will be able to advise on diet and lifestyle and further testing may be required to determine any contributory health conditions.
The Blood Pressure Society points out that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Reducing your reading by 5mmHg (diastolic) reduces your risk of stroke by 34% and heart disease by 20%. There is a lot you can do right now to normalise your blood pressure.
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