Blood pressure

blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force that blood applies to the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (when the heart squeezes) over diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes), usually written in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal readings allow organs to receive steady blood flow, while values that are too high or too low can cause health problems. High blood pressure often has no clear symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other complications over time. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases organ under-perfusion and shock. Readings change throughout the day with activity, stress, posture, and medications, so doctors base decisions on multiple measurements. Many things affect blood pressure, including weight, diet (especially salt intake), alcohol, activity level, sleep, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle changes like exercising, eating a balanced diet, losing excess weight, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can help control it, and medicines are available when lifestyle steps are not enough. Monitoring blood pressure regularly is a simple way to track one’s cardiovascular health and catch problems early. Understanding blood pressure helps people make choices that protect the heart, brain, and kidneys for the long term.