Blood Pressure: Low, High, Normal, Causes and Treatment
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading: systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a reading of less than 90/60 mmHg. This type of low blood pressure can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when changing positions quickly. It is usually not a cause for concern, but it can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. This type of high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It is often called the "silent killer" because there may be no symptoms, but it can damage your blood vessels, heart, and other organs over time.
Normal blood pressure is a reading of between 90/60 and 140/90 mmHg. If your blood pressure is in this range, it is considered normal and healthy.
The causes of high and low blood pressure can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and underlying medical conditions. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress, can help lower high blood pressure.
Treatment for high blood pressure typically includes lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Medications used to treat high blood pressure include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and others. Treatment for the low blood pressure may include increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and using medications to increase blood pressure.
In conclusion, it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to monitor your health and detect any changes. If your blood pressure is abnormal, it's important to seek medical treatment to prevent the development of serious health problems. By making lifestyle changes and, if necessary, taking medication, you can keep your blood pressure in a healthy range