How is your blood pressure? Let's find out exactly what it is.

How are you? Today we are going to talk about a topic that is important to many people, but sometimes not fully understood. That is 'Blood Pressure' or 'pressure' as we call it. It is like the pressure we feel when blood flows through our arteries, which are the large blood vessels in our body. Every second that your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries that carry blood throughout the body. This happens between 60 and 100 times per minute, 24 hours a day. These arteries are what carry oxygen and nutrients to your entire body and help your body function properly.

Are 'Blood Pressure' and 'Heart Rate' two different things?

Now some people think that 'Blood Pressure' and 'Heart Rate' or the speed at which the heart beats are the same. But that's not the case. Although both are related to the heart, these are two different things. Think about it, 'Blood Pressure' is how fast and with what force your blood is moving through your blood vessels. 'Heart Rate' is how many times your heart beats per minute.

An increased heart rate does not always mean that the blood pressure is also high. To know the exact pressure, you need to use a blood pressure cuff and gauge.

Why isn't blood pressure always the same?

Your blood pressure isn't always the same. It changes depending on what you're doing. When you exercise or are stressed, your pressure goes up. When you're sleeping and relaxed, your pressure goes down.

Not only that, but these things can also cause your blood pressure to change:

• Age: Blood pressure can change as you age.
• The medications you take: Some medications affect blood pressure.
• Posture changes: There may also be a slight change in posture, such as when you suddenly sit down from standing.

Why do we need to think so much about blood pressure? Is it a 'silent killer'?

High blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure, is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms. Even if you don't feel anything, high blood pressure can damage your heart, kidneys, and brain.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to conditions such as:

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Enlarged heart
• Heart failure
• Peripheral artery disease - This means that blood flow to the legs is reduced and pain occurs.
• Weakening and bulging of the artery walls (`Aneurysms`)
• Kidney disease
• The tiny blood vessels in the eyes burst.

Just think, if so many things can happen inside the body without any symptoms, how important it is to take care of your blood pressure!

Who is more likely to develop pressure?

You are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure if you have any of the following reasons:

• If anyone in the family has high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`).
• If you are black (this is a genetic effect).
• If you are 60 years of age or older.
• If the cholesterol level in the blood is high.
• If you are using birth control pills (`oral contraceptives`).
• If you are obese.
• If you have diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`).
• If you use tobacco products (such as cigarettes, beedis).
• If you don't exercise properly.
• If you often eat foods high in salt.

How and when do you check your blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is normal, your doctor should check it during your annual check-up. However, if your blood pressure readings are high when you visit your doctor, he or she may tell you to check your blood pressure at home. This may be several times a day, or once a week.

The most important thing is to check your blood pressure at the same time every day . You can check it two or three times in a row, but wait about a minute between each reading. When you're done, take the average of the two or three readings you took.

Sometimes your doctor may ask you to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor, which will automatically measure your blood pressure every 15 or 30 minutes while you are doing your normal activities.

What are the treatments for high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, it can lead to serious conditions like the TIA, Stroke, and Heart attack we talked about earlier. So, the treatment is to make changes as your doctor says.

Changes in diet and lifestyle

• Get to a weight that suits your body and maintain it.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol, and high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating well is an important part of managing your blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan and limiting sodium (salt) can help control blood pressure. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian to help you create a meal plan that's right for you.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Most men are advised to have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and women and smaller men are advised to have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. (One drink is about 12 ounces of beer, 12 ounces of wine cooler, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.)
• Control stress and anger.
• Completely avoid all tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
• It is also important to control blood lipid levels (LDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides) and other health conditions such as diabetes.

Meeting the doctor and the medicine man

• Take all medications your doctor prescribes exactly as directed. Do not start or stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor. Blood pressure medications do not continue to work after you stop taking them.
• Some over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, can affect the way your blood pressure medication works.
• Don't forget to see your doctor on your scheduled days. He or she can monitor your blood pressure, make any necessary medication adjustments, and help you manage your heart disease risk.

Your doctor may also tell you to check your blood pressure at home and write it down. If he or she tells you to, follow his or her instructions exactly.

How do you prepare before checking your blood pressure?

To accurately measure your blood pressure, keep these things in mind:

• If you've just finished smoking, exercising, or drinking a cup of coffee, wait about 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure.
• Go to the toilet and empty your bladder.
• Roll up your shirt sleeve. Do not wear a belt over your shirt sleeve.
• Sit quietly without talking for five minutes.
• Sit up straight, with both feet on the floor. Do not cross your legs.
• Place your hand on a table at heart level.

How is blood pressure measured?

If your blood pressure is measured manually, a doctor or nurse will do it like this:

• A special band (`cuff`) - which is connected to a meter (`gauge` or `Sphygmomanometer`) - is wrapped around your upper arm (above the elbow).
• Then the band is inflated until it is tight around your arm. A small ball-like device attached to the band is squeezed. This compresses your brachial artery, temporarily stopping the flow of blood through it. At this point, the meter should read about 200 mmHg.
• Next, while listening to the sound of blood flowing through your arm artery with a stethoscope, the cuff is slowly deflated (via a valve attached to the cuff). The needle on the meter will then begin to descend.
• When you start to hear the sound of blood flowing (the sound of the pulse beating), you look at the value on the meter. That is the systolic value, which is the top value.
• Then, the valve is opened further and the band is completely loosened. Then, the pressure in the arm artery stops, and the blood starts flowing normally again. When the band is loosened and the sound of the blood flowing stops, the value on the meter is read. That is the diastolic value, which is the bottom value.

There are also automatic blood pressure monitors that you can use at home.

What happens after a blood pressure check?

If you're nervous and anxious when you go to see your doctor, your blood pressure reading may be higher than it actually is. This is called "White Coat Syndrome." It's like your blood pressure going up when you see the doctor's white coat. If that happens, your doctor may tell you to check your blood pressure at home throughout the day. Then you can write down your blood pressure readings and show them to your doctor.

Are there any side effects of measuring blood pressure?

When you measure your blood pressure, you feel a little tight when you inflate the cuff around your arm. But it only lasts for a short time. Then it goes back to normal. There are no major side effects.

What are the blood pressure values ​​we get?

There are two measurements in your blood pressure reading:

• Systolic blood pressure (top/first number): This is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood into your arteries.
• Diastolic blood pressure (bottom/second number): This is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart is at rest, between two heartbeats.

Doctors give these measurements in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It's called that because in the past, pressure measuring devices contained mercury.

What is normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

If the 'blood pressure' is 120-129 (the upper number) and the lower number is less than 80 `mm Hg` , it is considered 'elevated blood pressure' (slightly elevated). People in this category, if they do not do something to reduce their pressure, their pressure may increase further.

How much blood pressure is dangerously high?

If your top number is ever 180 or higher, and/or your bottom number is 120 or higher, seek emergency medical attention immediately, or have someone take you to the hospital right away. This is a dangerous condition called a ``Hypertensive Crisis`` .

During a 'Hypertensive Crisis', you may experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Loss of clear vision or difficulty speaking.
• Back pain.
• Loss of consciousness or numbness.

Lower, but higher pressure readings mean you may have 'Stage 1' or 'Stage 2' hypertension.

• Stage 1 hypertension: Upper reading 130-139 or lower reading 80-89.
• Stage 2 hypertension: The upper number is 140 or higher, or the lower number is 90 or higher.

If your blood pressure readings are in 'Stage 1' or 'Stage 2', your doctor will tell you to make lifestyle changes and also prescribe medication for your blood pressure.

How much blood pressure is too low?

A pressure reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg is considered low blood pressure. Some people may have low blood pressure all the time, which is normal for them. But for others, low blood pressure means there is something wrong. They may not be getting enough blood to their vital organs.

Is the top value or the bottom value more important?

Your doctor can use either the top number or the bottom number to determine whether you have high blood pressure. However, if you're over 50, they usually focus more on the top number (the systolic number) as a risk factor for heart disease.

As you age, your arteries become stiffer over time, and as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up, your blood pressure rises.

How long does it take to get the results?

You can get your blood pressure reading right away. However, your doctor will need two or more readings (taken on different days) to determine if you have high blood pressure. He or she may ask you to come back for another check on another day.

When should I see the doctor?

If your home blood pressure reading is higher or lower than normal, call your doctor. If your reading is 180/120 mm Hg, or either of those values ​​is higher, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room.

Even if you don't have any symptoms, your blood pressure may be high. Therefore, it's important to check your blood pressure regularly to make sure it's within the normal range. If you have high blood pressure, take your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes. Don't start or stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Blood pressure medication doesn't stop working after you stop taking it. See your doctor on time so he can monitor your blood pressure, make any necessary changes to your medication, and help you manage your heart disease risk.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've got a good idea about 'blood pressure'. In summary:

• Blood pressure is very important for your body's health.
• It's very important to check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors.
• High blood pressure can be a "silent killer," so don't wait for symptoms to appear.
• A healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, quitting smoking, stress management) is a great help in controlling blood pressure.
• If the doctor prescribes medication, take it exactly as prescribed. Never stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
• Be aware of your blood pressure readings, especially dangerous levels like 180/120 mm Hg, and seek medical advice immediately if they occur.

Your health is in your hands! So it's best to take care of this.

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