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When you go to the doctors, they always use this equipment on your arm. You will feel a tight compression for about 10 to 20 seconds before the compression goes off. This equipment is known as Sphygmomanometer. It is used to measure your blood pressure.
How to know if your blood pressure is normal?
There are 2 numbers you need to know. The top/first number is known as Systolic. It is the blood pressure when the heart contracts. The bottom/second number is known as Diastolic. It is the blood pressure when the heart relaxes.
|
Systolic |
Diastolic |
Status |
|
<90 |
<60 |
Low Blood Pressure |
|
<120 |
<80 |
Ideal Blood Pressure |
|
<140 |
<90 |
Slightly High Blood Pressure |
|
<170 |
<100 |
High Blood Pressure |
Low Blood Pressure (also known as hypotension)
If you have low blood pressure, it means that there are inadequate flow of blood to your organs. You may experience some signs such as:
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Fainting
- Dehydration/ Thirst
- Nausea
- Rapid, Shallow Breathing
- Fatigue
As long as you does not have these noticeable signs, low blood pressure is not a problem for you.
Causes of Hypotension
Postural Hypotension
Have you ever experienced blurred vision or dizziness when you stand up from a sitting or lying position for a long period? If you experienced it often, you might be having a Postural Hypotension. It is the most common causes of hypotension.
When you stand up, gravity causes your blood to pool in your legs. Due to hypotension, your body fails to increase your heart rate to pump in sufficient blood to your brain. Thus, leading to symptoms of blurred vision, dizziness or even fainting.
Other causes includes: Pregnancy (1st and 2nd trimester), Decrease in blood volume, Allergic reaction, Shock, Heart Problems.
Hypotension Diet
- Add ample amounts of salt in your meal
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit Alcohol Intake
- Avoid Caffeine at night
Wearing compression stockings can also help to reduce the amount of blood flow to the leg, which thus, increase the amount of blood flow towards the heart.
Take cold baths to increase your blood pressure as it improves your blood circulation.
Pay attention to your body! If you feel dizzy or about to faint, sit or kneel down immediately before the blood pressure falls completely.
High Blood Pressure (also known as hypertension)
Having hypertension means that your blood is pumped around the body at a higher pressure. When the blood flow is too strong that it stretches beyond the wall of your arteries’ limit. You may experience some signs such as:
Causes of Hypertension
Some possible causes are:
- Smoking
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Overweight
- Too much salt in diet
- Stress
Hypertension Diet
- Use low sodium salt.
- Increase Potassium intake as it helps to widen the wall of your arteries. Thus reducing the pressure of the blood flow throughout the body. It regulate the blood pressure more often.
- Increase Vitamin B6 intake can help to lower your blood pressure as well.
Potassium-rich food:
Sweet potatoes, Potatoes, Banana*, Spinach, Mushrooms, Pea, Tomatoes, Oranges, Grapefruit, Apricots, Raisins, Dates, Fat-Free milk, Fat-Free yogurt, Tuna,
B6-rich food:
Banana*, Pistachio, Spinach, Avocado, Lean Pork, Prunes
*Banana reduces stress hormones in blood too!
Start exercising! Lose some pounds, if you’re overweight.
*Please do take note that this article is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice.
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