How to Identify and Respond to High or Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the heart exerts to pump blood in the body. It is also the force the blood cells exert on the walls of arteries during the process of circulation. The pressure reduces gradually, with distance from the left ventricle.
Blood Pressure Calculation
Blood pressure is calculated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is shown in two figures. Systolic and diastolic pressure, in the first case, it is the pressure at which the heart thrust the blood out. In latter, it is the pressure, when the heart relaxes between two beats. A perfect pressure is between the range of 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg, along with standard pulse rate to 60 to 80 per minute. When the pressure is higher than 140/90mmHg, it is supposed to be high blood pressure. Pressure lower than 90/60mmHg is considered to be low blood pressure.
Around 40% to 50% of the world population suffers from blood pressure. Adverse blood pressure can affect various organs, inquiring arteries, heart strokes, kidney infection, blocking blood vessels. It can also distress the reproductive system, leading to miscarriage.
Blood Pressure Categories and Symptoms
If the blood pressure is within 120/80 range, then it is normal, to maintain it you should stick to a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Elevated
If the reading shows 120-129 systolic and less than 80mmHg diastolic, then preventive measures must be taken to reduce the chance of developing high blood pressure.
Hypertension Stage 1
When blood pressure time and again ranges from 130-139 systolic and less than or 80-89 mmHg diastolic, it is hypertension stage 1. One must adopt a healthier lifestyle, to prevent escalating blood pressure, and doctors prescribe medicine.
Hypertension Stage 2
Hypertension stage 2 is when blood pressure time and again ranges from 140/90 mmHg; doctors advise to change lifestyle and prescribe medicine.
Hypertensive
If blood pressure exceeds 180/120mmHg, another reading is required after a five-minute interval to authenticate the reading. Immediate medical attention is required, and the patient may be prone to organ failure.
Common symptoms of hypertension are giddiness, chest ache, heart attack, nose bleeding, kidney failure, severe headaches, and difficulty in speaking and seeing.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
When the blood pressure is less than 90/60mmHg, it is considered low blood pressure. It does not always exhibit symptoms, but need medical attention. Symptoms related to low blood pressure are; dizziness, feeling sick and weak, lack of concentration, blurred vision, confusion and fainting.
Usually, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over fifty. The systolic blood pressure increases with age as the walls of the arteries stiffen, plaque buildup, increasing the potentiality of cardiovascular disease. With every increase of 20mmHg systolic or 10mmHg diastolic pressure, the chances of ischemic heart disease double among people with the age group of 40 to 89.
Preventive Measures
The risk of blood pressure can be significantly reduced by eating healthy foods, going for daily workouts, maintaining optimal weight, moderate drinking and smoking. Reduce salt intake in the diet, add plenty of fruit and vegetables in the meal. Intake of salt increases your blood pressure, the more you take salt, and more goes the blood pressure. Restrict it to less than 6mg per day, which is around one tablespoon. Include wholegrain, rice, pasta and bread which are rich in fiber in daily meal, along with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Moderating your drink reduces the chance of blood pressure, regular drinkers are more prone to high blood pressure.14 pegs a week is the recommended limit of alcohol for men and women, do not drink the advised units in a day or two, spread it over the week. Alcohol contains high calories, which augment body weight, further increasing your blood pressure.
Obesity is another reason for high blood pressure, as the heart needs more force to pump blood through the arteries, which eventually raises blood pressure. Shedding a few extra ounces improves your overall health, and makes a significant difference to your blood pressure.
Lead an active and happy life, go for jogging or light exercise; this lowers your blood pressure by keeping the heart and blood vessels in good condition. 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week like cycling, swimming, fast walking keeps your heart healthy. Indulge in physical activities like gardening, walking or aerobics.
Reduce caffeine intake; limit your coffee cups to 4 cups a day. If you like the beverage like tea, coffee or others rich in caffeine, limit it within moderate limits. It is perfect to take tea or coffee as a part of the balanced diet, but it should not be the only source of fluid.
Reduce Stress
Chronic stress may increase the chance of blood pressure, though more evidence is needed to establish the fact. To get rid of occasional stress people indulge in drinking, smoking or eating fast food. Ponder what causes stress, finance, family, work condition or physical illness, and try to solve the problem. When you know the cause, you can work on it to reduce the effect. Focus on your priorities while scheduling the day; accept everything is not under your control, but be aware of how you react to sudden situations. Try to focus on issues which are within your control, and put endeavors to solve it. Try to avoid stress triggers as much as possible. Give yourself some quiet time when you can relax and take a few deep breaths. Take time for your pastimes like gardening, walking or cooking. Express gratitude to your loved ones; this reduces stress significantly. A healthy mind manifests to a vigorous body.
Factors that Raise the Risk of Blood Pressure
As a person goes old, the risk of blood pressure looms over him. People of African or Caribbean origin are prone to this disease, in taking too many salty foods, lack of exercise, obesity, heavy smoking, regular drinking of a large amount of alcohol, can raise the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Some underlying health problem can cause high blood pressure in 1 out of 20 cases. Kidney disease and infection, diabetes, hormone problems like overactive or underactive thyroid can cause high blood pressure. Scleroderma, a disease which causes thickening of the skin, and sometimes affects other organs and blood vessels, and lupus can increase the chance of blood pressure. Medicines like contraceptive pills, steroids, cough and cold syrup, herbal remedies containing liquorice, drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can increase the potentiality of blood pressure.
Conclusion
Sometimes high blood pressure is asymptomatic, that is why often it is called a silent killer. Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrient diet. Supportive and loving family and friends, encourage you to take care of yourself.
FAQs on Blood Pressure Symptoms: Warning Signs Every Student Should Know
1. What is blood pressure and how is it measured from a biology perspective?
In biology, blood pressure is defined as the lateral pressure exerted by flowing blood on the walls of the arteries. It is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health. This pressure is generated by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. The reading is expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
2. What do the two numbers in a blood pressure reading, like 120/80 mmHg, signify?
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, which represent two different phases of heart activity:
- Systolic Pressure (the top number): This measures the maximum pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pushes blood out. A reading of 120 is the systolic value.
- Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. A reading of 80 is the diastolic value.
3. What are the main warning signs of very high blood pressure (hypertension) a student should know?
While hypertension is often asymptomatic, a hypertensive crisis (a severe increase in blood pressure) can cause noticeable symptoms. Students should be aware of these warning signs:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Blurred or double vision
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
4. What is considered a normal blood pressure range for a school-going student?
For school-aged children and teenagers (ages 7-17), a normal blood pressure range is typically between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure can fluctuate with age, growth, and activity level. A reading consistently above 120/80 mmHg may be a sign of elevated blood pressure and should be monitored by a doctor.
5. What is the biological difference between high blood pressure (hypertension) and low blood pressure (hypotension)?
The key difference lies in the force of blood against the artery walls and the associated risks.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): This is a condition where the blood pressure is consistently elevated, typically above 130/80 mmHg. It forces the heart to work harder and can damage arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): This is a condition where blood pressure is lower than normal, typically below 90/60 mmHg. It can lead to insufficient blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, causing symptoms like dizziness and fainting.
6. Why is high blood pressure often called the “silent killer”?
High blood pressure is termed the “silent killer” because it typically has no obvious symptoms in its early and even intermediate stages. A person can feel perfectly fine while, internally, the high pressure is silently causing progressive damage to the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, kidneys, and brain. This is why regular blood pressure checks are essential for prevention and early detection.
7. What lifestyle factors can contribute to high blood pressure in young adults and students?
Several lifestyle factors, highly relevant to students, can contribute to developing high blood pressure. These include:
- A diet high in salt and processed foods.
- Lack of regular physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle.
- Chronic stress from academic pressure and exams.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Inadequate sleep.
- Family history (genetics) can also play a significant role.
8. Are there symptoms for low blood pressure (hypotension) that students might experience?
Yes, unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure often presents with noticeable symptoms because the brain and other organs may not be receiving enough oxygenated blood. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded, especially upon standing up.
- Fainting (syncope).
- Blurred vision.
- Fatigue and lack of energy.
- Difficulty concentrating.
9. How can a student take simple steps to prevent or manage high blood pressure?
Students can adopt several healthy habits to maintain normal blood pressure:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Reduce intake of junk food, salt, and sugar. Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity, like playing a sport, cycling, or jogging, most days of the week.
- Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to cope with academic pressure, such as through hobbies, mindfulness, or talking to friends and family.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Balance calorie intake with physical activity.
10. How does exam stress specifically affect a student's blood pressure?
During periods of high stress, like exams, the body activates its 'fight-or-flight' response. It releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to constrict (narrow). This physiological reaction leads to a temporary but significant increase in blood pressure. While this is a normal short-term response, chronic, unmanaged stress can contribute to the development of long-term hypertension.
