|
What Is Low Blood Pressure? |
|
|
|
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood
within the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the driving force
that causes blood to flow through the body from the arteries (where the
pressure is high), through organs, and into the veins (where the
pressure is low). Blood pressure is generated by the pumping of blood by
the heart into the arteries as well as by the resistance to the flow of
blood by the arteries. The systolic blood pressure (the top number)
represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart
contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. And the diastolic blood
pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in the arteries as
the muscle of the heart relaxes after it contracts.
Systolic blood pressure for most healthy adults falls
between 90 and 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal diastolic
blood pressure falls between 60 and 80 mm Hg. (By convention, an
individual’s blood pressure is written as systolic/diastolic blood
pressure, e.g., 120/80). Current guidelines define normal blood pressure
as lower than 120/80. Blood pressures between 120/80 and 140/90, which
used to be considered “pre-hypertension,” are now considered too high.
High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease,
kidney disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or
arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke.
When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough
oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and
kidney, it is referred to as Low Blood Pressure. When this happens, the
organs are unable to function normally and can be permanently damaged.
It should be noted that unlike high blood pressure, which is defined on
the basis of blood pressure alone, low blood pressure is defined
primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow. In fact, some
individuals may have a blood pressure of 90/50 and have no signs or
symptoms of low blood pressure, and, therefore, not have low blood
pressure while others who normally have a blood pressure of 130/80 may
develop symptoms and signs of low blood pressure if their blood pressure
drops to 100/60.
There are certain traditional medicines that can help
to cure low blood pressure. Butter milk is good for both high and low
blood pressure. Using asafetida in various articles of food regularly,
also helps to cure low blood pressure.
|
