THE blood pressure represents the pressure that the blood makes on the walls of the arteries and is directly related to the cardiac cycle, which in turn involves systole and diastole.
The value of blood pressure can vary according to factors such as stress, physical activity and diet.
Blood pressure can be classified as hypertension or hypotension.
Arterial hypertension
THE hypertension corresponds to blood pressure above the recommended limits.
It is a chronic disease that affects millions of people, reaching an estimated 20% of the entire world population, being a fact of risk for heart disease, stroke (brain effusion), chronic kidney failure, aneurysms and damage to the blood vessels of the eyes.
In adults and adolescents, the value considered normal should be 12 by 8, that is, 120 mmHg of systolic pressure and 80 mmHg of diastolic pressure.
You symptoms usually appear only when values are very high, the most common being: chest pain, headache, neck pain, dizziness, weakness and nosebleeds.
There is no cure for high blood pressure, but it is possible to perform treatment and medical follow-up, in which the use of medications combined with a controlled diet can be indicated.
The main cause hypertension is genetic, but there are factors that contribute to increased blood pressure levels, such as alcohol consumption, obesity, high levels of cholesterol, stress and lack of physical activity.
Also read about:
- The importance of physical activity for health
- Healthy eating
- systole and diastole
Hypertension in pregnancy
In pregnant women it is common to have an increase in blood pressure, which should always be less than 14 by 9.
In cases of gestational hypertension, medical follow-up is essential, as drug control is differentiated to avoid side effects for the fetus.
There are three types of hypertension in pregnant women:
- When a woman acquires hypertension early and remains during pregnancy;
- When the woman already has hypertension before pregnancy;
- Pre-eclampsia, which is when blood pressure is high after the 20th week of pregnancy and may remain up to 12 weeks postpartum.
Also read about:
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and childbirth
hypotension
THE hypotension blood pressure corresponds to values lower than recommended, and may be equal to or below 9 by 6, that is, 90 mmHg of systolic pressure and 60 mmHg of diastolic pressure.
You symptoms the most common are dizziness, feeling of weakness and darkened eyesight, and in some cases there may be fainting.
Low blood pressure poses no health risks compared to high blood pressure. At causes the most common are excessive heat, anxiety, fasting, excessive physical activity and sudden change in position.
Does not exist treatment for hypotension and, in these cases, it is recommended to drink water, be careful when getting up, avoid the use of alcoholic beverages and lie down with your legs elevated.
blood pressure table
According to the Ministry of Health, it is important to be aware of the values presented in measuring blood pressure.
Values may change according to age group. In pregnant women, blood pressure numbers may change.
Check the table below for the list of values considered normal for adults.
| Category | systolic pressure | diastolic pressure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| hypotension | Less than 90 mmHg | and | Less than 60 mmHg |
| normal blood pressure | 120 mmHg | and | 80 mmHg |
| prehypertension | Between 120 mmHg and 129 mmHg | and | Less than 80 mmHg |
| stage 1 hypertension | Between 130 mmHg and 139 mmHg | or | Between 80 mmHg and 90 mmHg |
| stage 2 hypertension | 140 mmHg or greater | or | Greater than 90 mmHg |
| hypertensive crisis | Greater than 180 mmHg | and/or | Greater than 120 mmHg |
How to measure blood pressure?
Blood pressure is measured using specific equipment, called a sphygmomanometer. It can be analog, which is more traditional, or digital, used in a domestic way.
The most common place to measure blood pressure is the arm, which is also used as a point to listen to the heartbeat, which, in turn, uses a stethoscope.
In order for the presented result to be as reliable as possible, it is important to follow the following guidelines:
- Do not exercise, drink coffee or smoke 30 minutes before the exam;
- Have an empty bladder;
- Stay relaxed in a comfortable position, sitting with your back supported for 2 or 3 minutes;
- Avoid talking during the exam;
- Keep your arm straight and supported, always relaxed.
You may also be interested in:
- human body veins
- arteries
- Blood vessels
- Cardiovascular system
- Heart
- Human Body
