Blood Pressure Blood Pressure ReadingsBlood pressure, as the name suggests, is the pressure that causes the blood to flow through the body from areas of high pressure (the arteries), through the body organs and into areas of low pressure (the veins). Blood pressure readings are shown as two numbers, in the form systolic/diastolic blood pressure, ie 120/80. Where Systolic = the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. Diastolic = the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after contraction. Usually, systolic blood pressure tends to be between 90 and 120 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for most healthy adults. Normal diastolic blood pressure falls between 60 and 80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it is causing symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the veins and arteries. As a result of this, the vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients and may become damaged (sometimes irreparably) and cease to function properly. Common symptoms of low blood pressure are dizzy spells, fainting, feeling light-headed. Often, these symptoms tend to be more evident when a person is lying or sitting and then suddenly stands up. Low blood pressure in itself it not a bad thing. As long as it is not low enough to cause problems and damage to the body organs, then low blood pressure is desirable. In fact, people with lower blood pressure are less likely to suffer from heart disease, renal (kidney disease) and are at a lower risk of strokes. Unlike high blood pressure, which is defined on the basis of the blood pressure reading alone, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow. Some people may have a blood pressure reading of 90/50 yet exhibit no signs or symptoms of low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, light-headedness, for example) and as as result these individuals will not have low blood pressure. On the other hand, there may be people who have a blood pressure reading of 130/80 and may exhibit the symptoms and signs of low blood pressure if there blood pressure reading drops to 100/60. |