Written by Medindia Content Team
Reviewed by Medindia Complementary Medicine Team
What is Blood Pressure?
Basically, blood pressure refers to the pressure created when the heart pumps out blood, which is essential in order to ensure that the blood reaches all the different parts and tissues of the body properly.
The blood pressure of an individual is measured using an instrument known as sphygmomanometer, and the optimum blood pressure of a human is 120/80 (systolic and diastolic blood pressures). High or low fluctuations in the normal blood pressure can cause health problems, sometimes even life-threatening conditions.
High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Readings
High blood pressure affects millions of people worldwide today, and is currently among the most concerning health conditions. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disorder wherein the blood pressure exceeds beyond normal limits. When the blood pressure of an individual is measured and is found to exceed beyond the 140/90 reading, the individual is said to suffer from high blood pressure.
Conversely, when an individual’s blood pressure reading falls below 110/70, the person is said to suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure.
Causes of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure fluctuations may arise due to different reasons. Usually, overconsumption of OTC drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, especially when continued for a prolonged period of time, can cause hypertension.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibitors etc, may also cause an elevation in blood pressure and affect the kidneys as well. Use of tobacco and tobacco-containing products and consumption of alcohol, too, can raise blood pressure. It is also believed that alcohol-induced high blood pressure is more common in women, and intake of caffeine and caffeine containing products may also play a role in elevating blood pressure.
In contrast, low blood pressure usually occurs in individuals who aren’t fit and too weak and fragile. Pregnant women, too are prone to suffer from low blood pressure. Some other problems including endocrine disorders, heart problems like bradycardia, heart attack, heart failure, dehydration, fatigue, weakness and loss of blood may be linked to low blood pressure.
