Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels in your body. Due to various health reasons, this pressure may go higher or lower than the normal level. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), and a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.
- Systolic pressure: The first number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The second number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
These changes in blood pressure may affect your general health and, in adverse cases, may be fatal. Here, we talk about the differences between high and low blood pressure, what are their symptoms, causes, simple fixes, and remedies.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher. This means the blood is circulating at a higher pressure than normal, so your heart needs to work harder to pump the blood. It is common to experience high blood pressure, but it can be problematic if it goes untreated for a long time.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of high blood pressure are:
- Headaches
- Shortness of Breath
- Nosebleeds
Most people do not show or experience any of the symptoms. In some cases, you might have high blood pressure for years and might not have any clue. However, some risk factors might give a clue. These risk factors include old age, family history, sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle, use of tobacco, stress, and high alcohol intake.
Causes
Generally, blood pressure increases with age due to the plaque built up in the arteries. This condition of build-up is known as atherosclerosis and increases the risk of high blood pressure. The other reasons behind high blood pressure are underlying conditions and medicines like:
- Heart defects
- Tumors
- Kidney diseases
- Sleep Apnea
- Thyroid problems
- Increased salt intake
- Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines
- Birth control pills
Fixes and Remedies
There are many medications available for high blood pressure that your doctor can prescribe you. You can do many things at your end to minimize the complications of high blood pressure. A few of these fixes and remedies include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Exercising and staying active
- Eating a healthy diet
- Reduce salt intake
- Get a good night’s sleep
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure or hypotension is when blood pressure is low through the vessels, and in return, the heart, brain, and body do not get enough blood for its normal processes. A low blood pressure is somewhere between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. This condition is very common in many people and may go undetected for a long time.
Symptoms
Age, certain medications, and diseases are a risk factor for low blood pressure. The most common symptoms of low blood pressure include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Blurred Vision
- Concentration troubles
Causes
There are many causes of low blood pressure, and a few of the most common ones are as follows:
- Pregnancy
- Heart conditions
- Dehydration
- Severe allergic reaction to something or infections
- Empty stomach
Fixes and Remedies
Like hypertension, hypotension can also be taken care of with medications. However, you can practice a few remedies and fixes to bring your blood pressure to a normal state. These fixes include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating slowly and mindfully
- Using compression socks
- Doing light exercise
Conclusion
In conclusion, high and low blood pressure can develop quickly and may only be diagnosed by checking your blood pressure regularly. In addition to the medications, there are many different fixes and remedies that you can practice to bring your blood pressure to a normal level. Stay healthy!
For more information on this topic, please reach out to us at RescueMD at 972-390-7667. We are an internal medicine, weight loss and women’s health practice. We serve Allen, Frisco, Mckinney, Plano, Dallas and surrounding areas. In addition to physicians, we also have registered dietitians and personal trainers on staff to treat and manage most cases.
