| The blood is pumped into the arteries by the heart and
transported to other parts of the body. When the heart beats, the force
inside the arteries which pumps the blood is called blood pressure. If blood
pressure increases too much and exceeds the limit, it causes complications
and lead to heart problems. In other words, blood pressure can be defined
as the force of the blood that pushes through the arteries while passing
through the body. Every time the heart beats, the blood is pumped into the
arteries. When the blood pressure increases, it means that the pressure in
the arteries is above normal that is also called hypertension.
Causes of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
Constant high blood pressure can lead to heart diseases. High blood
pressure can be caused by either poor eating habits or lack of physical
activity leading to high cholesterol level, blockage of arteries and
enlargement of the heart.
High blood pressure and heart diseases need to be addressed immediately.
Only if these conditions are taken care of on time, a patient can avoid
further complications. Otherwise they can prove fatal and life threatening.
Facts about High Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases
- High blood pressure is one of the main causes of heart diseases.
Coronary artery disease is the build up of the fatty matter in the walls
of the arteries and it causes the arteries to narrow and passage of blood
is blocked or limited.
- It can give rise to the formation of clots in the blood thus leading
to heart attack.
- People with high blood pressure are more likely to have heart diseases
as the extra pressure of the blood puts force against the arteries, with
time this force can damage the arteries.
- Damaged arteries are unable to provide the required amount of oxygen
to other parts of the body and thus when the blood reaches the heart late;
it may lead to different problems.
Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is recorded as:
Systolic Blood Pressure
It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills the
arteries with blood.
Diastolic Blood Pressure
It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between the
beatings.
For a normal adult, blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mmHg. A
systolic pressure between 120-139 and a diastolic pressure between 80-89
mmHg is considered as high and needs to be closely checked. Hypertension can
be dangerous because if it persists, it can lead to heart diseases.
Preventing High Blood Pressure
It is possible to avoid high blood pressure by making some healthy
changes to your diet and living an active life. Some of the tips for
preventing high blood pressure include:
- Low salt intake in meals
- Low cholesterol and low fat foods
- Use of vegetables and whole grains like rice, pasta, bread and cereals
- Increased use of poultry and fish while reduction in intake of red
meat as it contains more salts and cholesterol
- Use of aspirin and any other anticoagulant medicine to keep a steady
flow of blood and avoid blood clotting that could cause high blood
pressure
- Remaining stress free
All these tips can help you in preventing high blood pressure and in turn
heart diseases. High blood pressure and heart diseases are connected in such
a way that one disease can lead to another causing further complications.
Thus, it is advised that you take proper measures to keep your blood
pressure normal. |
