Blood pressure is what? What blood pressure is normal

What does blood pressure mean ? Everything is simple enough. It is one of the main indicators of cardiovascular activity. Let us consider this issue in more detail.

What is AD?

Arterial pressure is the process of squeezing the walls of capillaries, arteries and veins under the influence of blood circulation.

Types of blood pressure:

• Upper, or systolic;
• Lower, or diastolic.

When determining the level of blood pressure, both these values should be taken into account. The units of its measurement remained the very first - millimeters of mercury. All due to the fact that in the old apparatus for determining the level of blood pressure, mercury was used. Therefore, the blood pressure index is as follows: blood pressure is upper (for example, 130) / lower blood pressure (for example, 70) mm Hg. Art.

The circumstances that directly affect the range of blood pressure include:

• The level of the force of contractions performed by the heart;
• The proportion of blood ejected by the heart during each contraction;
• Counteraction of the walls of blood vessels, which turns out to be a flow of blood;
• The amount of blood circulating in the body;
• Fluctuations in pressure in the chest, which are caused by the respiratory process.

The level of blood pressure can vary throughout the day and with age. But for the majority of healthy people the stable index of a BP is characteristic.

Determination of types of blood pressure

Systolic (upper) arterial pressure is a characteristic of the general condition of veins, capillaries, arteries, and also their tone, which is caused by contraction of the cardiac muscle. It is responsible for the work of the heart, namely for the strength with which the latter is able to push blood.

Thus, the level of the upper pressure depends on the strength and speed with which the heart contractions occur.

To assert that pressure is arterial and cardiac is the same concept, it is unreasonable, since in its formation the aorta also participates.

Lower (diastolic) pressure characterizes the activity of blood vessels. In other words, it is the blood pressure level at the moment when the heart is as relaxed as possible.

The lower pressure is formed as a result of the contraction of the peripheral arteries, through which blood enters the organs and tissues of the body. Therefore, the level of blood pressure corresponds to the state of the vessels - their tone and elasticity.

How do I know the level of blood pressure?

To know your blood pressure level, you can use a special device called the "blood pressure monitor". You can do this as a doctor (or a nurse), and at home, after buying a device in a pharmacy.

There are the following types of tonometers:

• Automatic;
• Semi-automatic;
• Mechanical.

A mechanical tonometer consists of a cuff, a pressure gauge or display, a punch for inflating air and a stethoscope. The principle of work: put the cuff on your arm, apply a stethoscope under it (you should hear the pulse), puff up the cuff with air until it stops, and then start to gradually lower it, unscrewing the wheel on the pear. At some point you will hear clearly in the headphones of the stethoscope pulsating sounds, then they will stop. These two marks are the upper and lower blood pressure.

Semi-automatic tonometer consists of a cuff, an electronic display and a pear. The principle of work: put on the cuff, puff up the air to a maximum, then release it. The electronic display shows the upper and lower value of blood pressure and the number of beats per minute - the pulse.

The automatic tonometer consists of a cuff, an electronic display and a compressor that performs manipulations to inflate and lower the air. Principle of operation: put on the cuff, start the machine and wait for the result.

It is considered that a mechanical tonometer gives the most accurate result. Also it is more affordable. At the same time, automatic and semi-automatic tonometers remain the most convenient to use. Such models are especially suitable for older people. Moreover, some species have the function of voice warning of pressure indicators.

It is not until 30 minutes after any exercise (even insignificant) and 1 hour after taking coffee and alcohol to measure the blood pressure indicators. Before the measurement process itself, you must sit quietly for a couple of minutes, catch your breath.

It is not recommended to repeat the procedure using the same hand.

Arterial pressure is the norm by age

Each person has an individual rate of AD, which may not be associated with any diseases.

The level of blood pressure is due to a number of factors that are of particular importance:

• Age and sex of a person;
• Personal characteristics;
• life style;
• Peculiarities of a way of life (work activity, preferred type of rest and so on).

Still the blood pressure has a property to rise at performance of unusual physical activities and emotional pressure. And if a person constantly exercises physical loads (for example, an athlete), then the level of blood pressure can also change for a while, or for a long period. For example, when a person is in a stressful state, then his blood pressure can rise to thirty mm Hg. Art. From the norm.

However, there are certain limits of normal blood pressure. And even every ten points of deviation from the norm indicate a violation of the body.

Arterial pressure is the norm by age

Age	The upper level of blood pressure, mm Hg. Art.	Lower blood pressure, mm Hg. Art.
1 - 10 years	95	60
10-15	95 to 110	From 60 to 70
16 - 20 years old	From 110 to 120	From 70 to 80
21 - 40 years old	From 120 to 130	From 70 to 80
41 - 60 years old	Up to 140	90
61 - 70 years old	From 140 to 147	85
Older than 71 years old	From 147	Up to 85

You can also calculate the individual blood pressure values using the following formulas:

1. For men:

• Upper blood pressure = 109 + (0.5 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg);
• Lower blood pressure = 74 + (0,1 * number of full years) + (0,15 * weight in kg).

2. For women:

• Upper blood pressure = 102 + (0.7 * number of full years) + 0.15 * weight in kg);
• Lower blood pressure = 74 + (0.2 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg).

The resulting value is rounded to an integer by the rules of arithmetic. That is, if it's 120.5, then it will be 121 when rounded.

Increased blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure is a high level of at least one of the indicators (lower or upper). To judge the degree of its overestimation follows, given both indicators.

Regardless of whether the lower blood pressure is high or upper, it is a disease. And it is called hypertension.

There are three degrees of the disease:

• The first one is SAD 140-160 / DBP 90-100;
• The second one is SAD 161-180 / DBP 101-110;
• The third - SBP 181 and more / DBP 111 or more.

Talk about hypertension is when the high level of blood pressure is observed for a long period.

According to statistics, the overestimated value of systolic pressure is most often observed in women, and in diastolic - in men and elderly people.

Symptoms of high blood pressure can be:

• Decrease in working capacity;
• The appearance of fatigue;
• Frequent occurrence of a feeling of weakness;
• Morning pain in the occiput;
• Frequent dizziness;
• Bleeding from the nose;
• noise in ears;
• Decreased visual acuity;
• The appearance of swelling of the legs at the end of the day.

Causes of high blood pressure

If the lower arterial pressure is high, then, most likely, this is one of the symptoms of the disease of the thyroid gland, kidneys, adrenals, which began to produce renin in large quantities. He, in turn, and increases the tone of the muscles of blood vessels.

Elevated lower arterial pressure is fraught with the development of even more serious diseases.

High upper pressure indicates too frequent contractions of the heart.

A jump in blood pressure can be caused by a number of reasons. This, for example:

• Vasoconstriction due to atherosclerosis;
• overweight;
• diabetes;
• Stressful situations;
• Malnutrition;
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, strong coffee and tea;
• smoking;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Frequent weather changes;
• Some diseases.

What is low blood pressure?

Reduced blood pressure - this is vegetovascular dystonia or hypotension.

What happens with hypotension? When the heart contracts, the blood enters the vessels. They expand, and then gradually narrow. Thus, the vessels help the blood move further along the circulatory system. The pressure is normal. For a number of reasons, the tone of the vessels may decrease. They will remain enlarged. Resistance for movement of blood is then not enough, because of what pressure falls.

The level of blood pressure in hypotension: upper - 100 or less, lower - 60 or less.

If the pressure drops sharply, the blood supply is limited in the brain. And it is fraught with such consequences as dizziness and a pre-stupor condition.

Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:

• Increased fatigue and lethargy;
• The appearance of darkening in the eyes;
• Frequent shortness of breath;
• A feeling of coldness in the hands and feet;
• Increased sensitivity to loud sounds and bright light;
• Weakness in muscles;
• Motion sickness in transport;
• Frequent headaches.

What is the cause of low blood pressure?

Poor joint tone and low blood pressure (hypotension) can be from birth. But more often the perpetrators of low blood pressure are:

• Extreme fatigue and stress. Congestion at work and at home, stress and lack of sleep cause a decrease in vascular tone.
• Heat and stuffiness. When you sweat, a large amount of fluid leaves the body. For the sake of maintaining the water balance, it pumps out water from the blood that flows through the veins and arteries. Its volume decreases, the tone of the vessels decreases. The pressure drops.
• Reception of medicines. "Drop" pressure can heart drugs, antibiotics, antispasmodics and painkillers.
• The occurrence of allergic reactions to anything with a possible anaphylactic shock.

If you have not had hypotension before, do not leave unpleasant symptoms without attention. They can be dangerous "bells" of tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, complications after concussion and other diseases. Address to the therapist.

What should I do to normalize the pressure?

These tips will help you feel alert all day if you are a hypotonic.

1. Do not rush to get out of bed. Woke up - do lay a little workout. Move your hands and feet. Then sit down and slowly get up. Perform actions without sudden movements. They can provoke a faint.
2. Take a contrast shower in the morning for 5 minutes. Alternate the water - a minute is warm, a minute is cool. This will help to cheer up and is useful for blood vessels.
3. A cup of coffee is good for you! But only a natural tart drink will raise the pressure. In a day, drink no more than 1-2 cups. If you have heart problems, instead of coffee drink green tea. It invigorates not worse than coffee, but does not harm the heart.
4. Sign in to the pool. Go at least once a week. Swimming improves the tone of the vessels.
5. Buy tincture of ginseng. This natural "energy" gives a tone to the body. In a 1/4 cup water, dissolve 20 drops of tincture. Drink half an hour before meals.
6. Eat the sweet. As soon as you feel weak, eat ½ teaspoon of honey or a little bitter chocolate. Sweets will drive fatigue and drowsiness.
7. Drink clean water. Daily 2 liters of pure and non-carbonated. This will help maintain the pressure at a normal level. If you have a sick heart and kidneys, a doctor should prescribe a drinking regimen.
8. Get enough sleep . The resting organism will work as it should. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
9. Do a massage . According to experts of Oriental medicine, there are special points on the body. Influencing them, you can improve your health. The pressure corresponds to the point that lies between the nose and upper lip. Gently massage her finger 2 minutes in a clockwise direction. Do this when you feel weak.

First aid for hypotension and hypertension

If you feel dizzy, strong weakness, tinnitus, call an ambulance. In the meantime, doctors go, act:

1. Unbutton the collar of clothing. The neck and chest should be free.
2. Lie down. Lower the head below. Put a small pillow under your feet.
3. Smell the ammonia. If not, use vinegar.
4. Have some tea. Necessarily strong and sweet.

If you feel the approach of the hypertensive crisis, then it is also necessary to call the doctors. In general, this disease should always be supported by preventive treatment. As measures of first aid, you can resort to such actions:

1. Organize the foot bath with hot water, which is previously added with mustard. Alternative can be the application of mustard compresses on the heart, neck and calf.
2. Slightly obligate the right, and then the left arm and leg for half an hour each side. When the plaque is applied, the pulse should be palpated.
3. Drink a cup of black chokeberry. It can be wine, compote, juice. Or eat jam from this berry.

To reduce the risk of the onset and development of hypotension and hypertension, it is necessary to adhere to the healthy diet regime, not to allow the appearance of excess weight, to exclude from the list of foods harmful, to move more.

The pressure should be measured from time to time. When observing the trend of high or low blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the cause and purpose of the treatment. The prescribed therapy can include such methods as normalizing blood pressure, such as taking special medications and herbal infusions, dieting, doing a set of exercises, and so on.