Understanding Blood Pressure: Your Vital Connection to Overall Health

The relationship between blood pressure and health. Proactive blood pressure monitoring can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Introduction.

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is a vital measure of our cardiovascular health, and it plays a significant role in our overall well-being. With both of my parents succumbing to cardiovascular related complications this blog holds a special personal interest to me and given that high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, it is of particular interest to us all. Whether it is high or low, your blood pressure can indicate potential risks and affect your body’s functionality. Understanding the basics of blood pressure is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of blood pressure, exploring its definition, measurement, and potential effects on your body. With this knowledge, you will be equipped to take better care of your heart and ensure a healthier future.

Even though low blood pressure (hypotension) brings its own complications and risks, such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and can be an indicator of other underlying health conditions our focus will be on high blood pressure and the resulting cardiovascular disease. Here at Freedom to Live our commitment is to only write about positive life changes, products, and ways of thinking that we are truly passionate about. That said, please be aware that this article contains some affiliate links which may earn us a commission on purchases, also rest assured, that while using these links should you choose to, will support us, it will not result in any additional cost to you. Article continues below..

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What is blood pressure?

Our hearts are pumps that beat around 100,000 times a day pushing about five litres blood around our circulatory system also known as our cardiovascular or vascular system. This blood delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to all parts of our bodies to help our organs and muscles function correctly. Your blood also carries away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body.

How is blood pressure measured?

With every beat, your it pumps blood into the large blood vessels of the circulatory system. As the blood moves around the body, it puts pressure on the walls of the vessels. Blood pressure readings are made up of two values:

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats i.e. while the heart muscle is contracting (squeezing) and pumping oxygen-rich blood into the blood vessels.

Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes. The diastolic pressure is always lower than the systolic pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in units of millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The readings are always given in pairs, with the upper (systolic) value first, followed by the lower (diastolic) value. So, someone who has a reading of 132/88 mmHg (often spoken “132 over 88”) has a systolic blood pressure of 132 mmHg, and a diastolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg. (1) Article continues below..

OxiPro BP1 Blood Pressure Monitor.

✔️ CE CERTIFIED BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR (Sphygmomanometer) Certified to the CE Medical Device Directive and suitable for home use and in clinical environments.
✔️ ACCURATE BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE READINGS shown to 1 mmHg resolution for systolic and diastolic pressure, 1 bpm resolution for heart rate monitoring. The OxiPro BP 1 is an upper arm blood pressure monitor which is CE Class II Medical Device Certified Blood pressure machine recommended by doctors for monitoring and recording blood-pressure.

✔️ BIG, EASY TO READ DISPLAY WITH COLOUR CODED BLOOD PRESSURE CHART As well as clearly showing your pulse rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings the OxiPro BP1 also features a colour coded bar graph to indicate whether your blood pressure is low, normal or high. A quick reference chart is also printed on the bottom of the BP monitor.
✔️ SIMPLE TO USE AND FULLY AUTOMATIC WITH UNIVERSAL / LARGE CUFF Just wrap the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm (suitable for arm circumference 22-42cm) in a relaxed sitting position, press start and that’s it! Your Blood pressure and heart rate readings will be displayed on the large LCD screen in less than a minute. Measurements include: systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse rate, date, time, and user ID.
✔️ TWO USER MODE WITH 99 RESULTS STORED The OxiPro BP1 blood pressure machine supports 2 users, each with up to 99 records stored against their user. Automatically displays the average of your last 3 readings. The OxiPro BP Machine helps users to easily track their health, blood pressure and heart rate according to the specific time and date. A great option for blood pressure machines for home use.
✔️ UK MEDICAL SUPPLIER ✔️ 2 YEAR WARRANTY ✔️ UK CUSTOMER SUPPORT Established in 1999, OxiPro Medical Ltd is a UK supplier of medical devices with UK based warranty and support. Purchase here:

What is normal blood pressure, and when is blood pressure considered to be high?

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is when your upper systolic value is over 140 mmHg or your lower diastolic value is over 90 mmHg or if both are over 140 mmHg & 90 90 mmHg respectively.

So, normal blood pressure is systolic under 140 mmHg and diastolic under 90 mmHg and

High blood pressure is systolic over 140 mmHg and/or diastolic over 90 mmHg

The relationship between blood pressure and health.

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because unfortunately, you may not even know about it until you have a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure itself usually goes unnoticed, only if it is extremely high can it sometimes result in symptoms like dizziness or trouble seeing however in the background it continuously and insidiously, deteriorates our health. Among the top causes of death in the UK are heart disease and circulatory disease which kill around 170,000 people a year, or about 460 people a day.

Healthy arteries are normally stretchy, this elasticity means that they can cope with your blood pressure going up and down. But with high blood pressure, your arteries lose their stretchiness and become stiff or narrow. This narrowing in turn, makes it easier for fatty material (atheroma) to build up. This narrowing and damage to the arteries lining your heart or brain could trigger a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

Prolonged high blood pressure causes damage to:

The arteries: loss of elasticity and narrowing of the inner lining and bulging (aneurysm). These aneurysms can burst resulting in, internal bleeding

The heart: coronary artery disease results is damage and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Also too little blood flow to the heart can lead to chest pain, called angina. It can also lead to irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias.

Heart failure, Enlarged left heart and Metabolic syndrome are also serious illness that are associated with hypertension. Read more here:

The brain: High blood pressure may affect the brain in the following ways:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Sometimes this is called a ministroke. Stroke. A stroke happens when part of the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. Or it can happen when there is bleeding inside or around the brain. These problems cause brain cells to die. Blood vessels damaged by high blood pressure can narrow, break or leak. High blood pressure also can cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain. The clots can block blood flow, raising the risk of a stroke. Dementia. Narrowed or blocked arteries can limit blood flow to the brain. This could lead to a certain type of dementia, called vascular dementia. A single stroke or multiple tiny strokes that interrupt blood flow to the brain also can cause vascular dementia. Mild cognitive impairment. This condition involves having slightly more troubles with memory, language or thinking than other adults your age have. But the changes aren’t major enough to impact your daily life, as with dementia. High blood pressure may lead to mild cognitive impairment.

In addition to the above, hypertension can result in serious damage to: The kidneys, the eyes and the optic nerve as well as Sexual conditions like erectile dysfunction and reduced blood flow to the vagina. Read more here: Article continues below..

What to look for when choosing a home blood pressure monitor

Buy a monitor with an upper cuff: If you are buying a home blood pressure monitor, choose one that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm, not your wrist or finger.

Make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm: Make sure you have the right cuff size for your arm. It should wrap snugly around your upper arm, with just enough space to slide two fingertips underneath. Most home blood pressure monitors will come with a medium-sized cuff. If your upper arm is particularly larger or smaller than average, you may need to buy a different sized cuff separately.

Make sure it’s UK approved: If you are buying a blood pressure monitor, make sure it is approved for use in the UK. To make sure your monitor is accurate, choose one that has been listed as validated for accuracy by the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS). This means that the digital monitor has gone through a series of tests to make sure it gives results that you and your doctor can trust.

Some monitors will have a memory to store your readings. These may cost more than more basic versions, but recording your measurements on a pen and paper will work just as well. (2)

CAZON Blood Pressure Monitor, Large Cuff.

Professional and reliable monitor: this upper arm blood pressure monitor with advanced measurement technology gives you highly reliable readings. The accuracy ranges are: ±3 mmHg / ±0.4 kPa (blood pressure) and ±5%( pulse rate). Recommended by doctors for home health and blood pressure monitoring and recording.
Double user mode x 99 memory storage: this blood machine support 2 users have their own measurement records, each user can record up to 99 readings. Displays the average of your last 3 readings. Helps users to easily track their health, blood pressure and heart rate according to the specific time and date.
Adjustable comfortable cuff & switchable unit: with 22-32cm (8.7inch – 12.6in) large cuff, this blood pressure meter fits most people within the accepted range and has very strong velcro around the cuff to secure it around the arm, super easy and convenient for home use. Units of kPa and mmHg can be switched at will, suitable for everyone’s reading habit. Purchase here via Amazon

The importance of Monitoring your Blood Pressure

Because hypertension can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms appear it is important to take a proactive approach to monitoring your blood pressure and to preserving your health. Understanding your blood pressure is a window to wellness as it serves as an indicator of the status of your health overall. By consistently measuring your blood pressure, you gain insights into your body’s functioning and can identify early warning signs that may require additional investigation. It also serves as an important diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals to monitor your well-being.

It is true that prevention is better than cure. Checking your blood pressure yourself regularly, or having it checked by someone else means that hypertension can be detected early on and it allows necessary lifestyle changes, including diet modification, exercise, stress reduction techniques, or medication to be started sooner rather than later. Regular check-ups can save you from preventable health issues and enable better and more effective interventions.

Low blood pressure is equally essential to monitor. Read more about the medical conditions caused by low blood pressure here. Mayo Clinic low-blood-pressure symptoms.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

Now that we understand the significance of blood pressure, here are a few tips to help you maintain optimal levels:

a) Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking – these lifestyle choices promote healthy blood pressure levels and overall well-being.

b) Regular Check-Ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure and overall health. Early detection ensures timely interventions, if necessary.

c) Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Investing in a home blood pressure monitor can provide a convenient way to track your blood pressure regularly, helping you stay informed about your cardiovascular health.

Management of High blood pressure.

The management of hypertension often involves lifestyle modifications, which include adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity, stress reduction techniques, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco are also crucial. In certain cases, medication may be required to achieve optimal blood pressure levels.

Read 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication here: Mayo clinic managing high blood-pressure . Article continues below..

Browse BP monitors here

Find the perfect blood pressure monitor to suit your needs and your budget here.

Whether you prefer mains or battery operated or regular or large cuffs, you’ll be sure to find the right device here.

Remember that accuracy rather than price is important and to choose a machine with a arm cuff rather than a wrist or finger reader. Browse BP monitors here

Conclusion

While the specific causes of hypertension can vary, prominent factors include, lifestyle choices, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits (excessive sodium and low potassium intake), obesity, stress, genetics and underlying medical conditions.

What is clear is that understanding high and low blood pressure is imperative for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for both conditions (hypertension and hypotension), you can proactively take charge of your health and reduce the risk of potential complications. Remember, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances. But stay informed, make positive lifestyle choices, and prioritise your well-being to achieve optimal blood pressure levels.

Wishing you a long and healthy life.

Yours sincerely.

Phil Freedom.