BP

William Knox D'Arcy

BP Motor Spirit, 1922

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Steven Koonin BP 2005-02-22

Obama-hayward

Blood Pressure (BP) is the pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. Most of this pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system. When used without further specification, "blood pressure" usually refers to the pressure in large arteries of the systemic circulation. Blood pressure is usually expressed in terms of the systolic pressure (maximum during one heartbeat) over diastolic pressure (minimum in between two heartbeats) and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), above the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

Measurement

Blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump, and dial to measure blood pressure. Measurements are given in mmHg and typically recorded with the systolic pressure listed before the diastolic pressure, for example, 120/80 mmHg. Healthcare professionals recommend that blood pressure be measured under controlled conditions and taken from the left arm at heart level. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for diagnosing and managing hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Factors Influencing Blood Pressure

Several factors can influence an individual's blood pressure, including:

• Age: Blood pressure typically increases with age.
• Weight: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for high blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure.
• Diet: A diet high in salt, fat, and cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure, while a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy can help reduce blood pressure.
• Stress: Long-term stress can contribute to higher blood pressure.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Consuming large amounts of alcohol or using tobacco can increase blood pressure.

Health Implications

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and aneurysm. Controlling blood pressure can reduce the risk of these conditions. Hypotension, while less common, can lead to dizziness and fainting and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for high blood pressure includes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, reducing sodium intake, and limiting alcohol consumption. In some cases, medication may be required to control high blood pressure. For hypotension, treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include increasing water and salt intake or taking medication.

Prevention

Preventive measures for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels include leading a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco use.