Blood Pressure Levels and Causes

What is the normal level of blood pressure?
(19 Feb 2009)

Simply defined, blood pressure is the amount of force applied to the walls of the arteries by the blood flowing through it. This force is originally generated by the heart muscle each time it beats to force the blood through the arteries, in order to supply the blood to various parts of the body. The amount of pressure is at its peak at the time of heart muscle contraction, and it is lowest at the time of heart muscle rest.

Blood pressure measurements are often provided as a fractional number such as 120 / 80, where the first number, or systolic pressure, is the reading taken at the time of heart muscle contraction and the second number, known as diastolic pressure, is taken while the heart muscle is resting. A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be 120 / 80 and anything above 140 / 90 is considered to be high blood pressure. Suffering from high blood pressure will make the patient more prone to heart attacks, a stroke or even kidney failure. While the presence of high blood pressure could be the result of the presence of another serious underlying medical complication, stress and unhealthy eating habits are also likely causes. Excessive smoking, consumption of alcohol and an addiction to coffee or tea could lead to a development of the condition. The problem with high blood pressure is that you will not experience any symptoms during its developmental phase, and are only likely to know about its presence when it is either fully developed, or by chance during a routine medical visit. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition include chest pain, severe headaches, nervousness, a tendency to sleep a lot, nosebleeds and an inability to control ones emotions.

There are a number of home remedies that will help treat the condition such as taking equal amounts of honey, ginger juice and about 2 or 3 tablespoons of cumin seeds and mixing them together. This mixture should be had about 3 times every day for best results. Curry leaves are renowned for their strong medicinal effect when treating high blood pressure and you could try taking about 30 to 40 of the leaves and boil them in a glass of water. Allow the concoction to cool and drink it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Mixing 3 tablespoons of honey with 3 tablespoons of garlic juice is also a very good home remedy to treat high blood pressure.

answered by G M on 24 Mar 2010, 12:26:39

Normal blood pressure is measured in two ways. There is a systolic measure, which is the lower end of the reading chart. Normal adult systolic blood pressure is measures at 80 millimeters of mercury. The higher end of the reading chart is diastolic blood pressure. This is normal at 120 millimeters of mercury. Keep in mind that there is a range of blood pressure that would be considered normal. Of course if your reading would be 120 over 80, this would be defined as text book normal blood pressure. But if your reading is about 5 millimeters below or above these two figures as well, you would still be considered as a person with normal blood pressure. If your reading has strayed above 130 over 90, then you would need to consult a doctor without further delay. This is absolutely important, and you should make sure you do not delay your visit to the doctor. On the other hand, if your blood pressure is more than 5 millimeters below the normal range as well, then too, you need to get a medical consultation as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the only disease is not high blood pressure. Low blood pressure is as harmful and dangerous a disease.

If you have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, then you can make some small changes in your lifestyle and dietary habits so that you can control this disease before it goes any further. Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure in any and all cases of blood pressure. For high blood pressure, you should instantly start by cutting back on your salt intake. This will make a momentous difference and will alter your reading in as little as a day. In case you have been diagnosed with any type of blood pressure, you can start a routine of exercise at once. In particular, Yoga will be extremely helpful in controlling your blood pressure. This is something you can learn yourself without any assistance as well. Alternatively, you can also start taking walks. This is also an excellent way to control your blood pressure. But some form of exercise is necessary, and you are better off making it a simple type of exercise. You should also alter your diet so that you are excluding excessive fats and carbohydrates from it. Instead, add to the salads and leafy green contents of your diet for best results.

answered by G R on 19 Feb 2009, 12:50:28

Blood Pressure Levels and Causes

What is the normal level of blood pressure? (19 Feb 2009)

What is the normal level of blood pressure?
(19 Feb 2009)