Blood pressure is the force at which blood flows through our blood vessels (veins and arteries) depending on the power and frequency (fast or slow) of the heartbeat; readings are recorded in mmHg. A person’s blood pressure further depends on the wideness and elasticity of the vessels.

Factors affecting blood pressure

• Age- blood pressure rises with age.
• Gender- boys and girls have the same BP until puberty when that of females becomes lower than the males.
• Time of the day/ diurnal cycle– BP tends to be lower in the morning, increasing throughout the day.
• Activity- With exercise, the blood pressure goes high.
• Emotions- Feeling of anger, stress, anxiety, and fear can increase blood pressure.
• Pregnancy- Gestational Hypertension is high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks but without signs of organ damage.

Blood pressure (BP) measurement

Blood pressure measurement is in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). When you visit a health facility to seek medical attention, a nurse or a doctor takes your blood pressure. The provider asks you to sit in a relaxed position without speaking or making any unnecessary movements. It’s also advisable to wear a short-sleeved shirt or top to allow easy placement of the BP machine cuff.

You have several convenient options for checking your blood pressure. Visit a doctor’s office for a professional checkup, use a digital blood pressure machine at a pharmacy, or monitor it yourself at home with a reliable blood pressure monitor.

Blood pressure readings

Sorry if you don’t like mathematics. But I know that you know what a fraction means. A fraction has two numbers, one above the other. The upper number is the numerator, and the lower number the denominator. Your nurse or doctor writes your blood pressure readings in fraction form, 120/80 mmHg. The numerator 120 is systolic, and denominator 80 is diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the highest, picked when the heart contracts to push blood to the rest of the body. Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest, picked before the heart’s contraction. Normal blood pressure is mostly between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.

Blood pressure readings vary with age and gender. Older people have higher blood pressure than younger persons and children due to artery stiffening, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and reduced kidney function. Did you know that compared to women, men have higher blood pressure? Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that a higher percentage of men (50%) have high blood pressure than women (44%). See the table below for normal BP across ages.

Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges

Abnormal blood pressure ranges

These include low blood pressure (hypotension) and high blood pressure(hypertension).

In hypotension, the pressure is below, while in hypertension, the pressure is above average. Both abnormalities can pose a danger to personal health. Medically, hypotension is any blood pressure below 90/60mmHg. Low blood pressure doesn’t allow oxygen and nutrients to reach all the vital organs like the brain and kidneys. Hypotension causes symptoms like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and lack of concentration.

Any pressure above 130/80 mmHg qualifies as high blood pressure. Usually, high BP has no signs and symptoms. It is a silent killer and very dangerous. That’s why one should go for a regular blood pressure check-up to avoid severe consequences like stroke. However, if diagnosed early, it can be managed.

What causes low blood pressure (LBP)?

• pregnancy- because of changes in the circulation system
• dehydration– not drinking enough water, vomiting, diarrhea or use of diuretics
• heart problems– slow heart rate, heart attack
• excessive bleeding- from an injury, can be external or internal bleeding
• hormonal problems-those related to thyroid also low sugar level like for diabetics
• allergic reactions– foods, smells, fur, and medicines can trigger allergic reactions and shock.
• some medications– those that slow the heart
• standing up quickly after a long period of sitting

What causes high blood pressure (HBP)?

• Smoking
• Stress
• Obesity and overweight
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet- increased salt intake, high cholesterol,
• Alcoholism
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problem
• Family history of HBP
• Sleep apnea

How Hypertension (HBP) is diagnosed

High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed through blood pressure measurements using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). Here’s how the process works:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Blood Pressure Measurement – A cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated to restrict blood flow. The pressure is then released, and a sensor or stethoscope measures the pressure at its highest and lowest points.
2. Multiple Readings – Blood pressure is typically measured on different days to confirm a consistent elevation.
3. Threshold for Hypertension – A reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
4. Ambulatory Monitoring – Some cases require 24-hour monitoring to track fluctuations throughout the day.
5. Additional Tests – If hypertension is diagnosed, doctors may recommend blood tests, urine tests, ECGs, or imaging to check for underlying cause

What to do

• No cure for HBP, management focuses more on lifestyle adjustment.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly, every month if at risk of developing HBP
• Avoid or stop smoking
• Limit the amount of alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day (A standard drink typically contains 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol).
• Reduce the amount of salt intake. Aim at 1500mg/day (less than 1 teaspoon)
• Daily exercise for two hours.
• Know your medication- side effects, allergies, and interactions
• Take a lot of water and fluids to remain hydrated.
• Monitor your dietary consumption to counter obesity
• If diabetic, ensure your sugar level remains in check.

Uncontrolled high BP can lead to the following complications:

• Heart attack or stroke due to hard and thick arteries of the heart.
• Heart failure from enlarged heart muscle in the ventricles.
• Weakening and bulging (aneurysm) of blood vessels causing them to rupture even in the brain.
• Sexual dysfunction- erectile dysfunction in men and libido loss in women.
• Kidney disease/ failure.
• Loss of vision from narrowed vessels in the eyes.
• Memory loss and attention deficit.
• Dementia- forgetfulness as a result of reduced blood flow to the brain by narrowed arteries

BP medications

Blood pressure medications, also known as antihypertensives, help regulate blood pressure by targeting different mechanisms in the body. Here are the main types and how they work:

Types of BP Medications

1. Diuretics (“Water Pills”) – Help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure.
2. Beta-Blockers – Reduce heart rate and the force of heart contractions, decreasing blood pressure.
3. ACE Inhibitors – Block the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, helping them relax.
4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) – Prevent angiotensin II from binding to receptors, keeping blood vessels open.
5. Calcium Channel Blockers – Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, relaxing arteries and reducing heart workload.
6. Alpha Blockers – Relax blood vessels by blocking nerve signals that tighten them.
7. Vasodilators – Directly relax blood vessel walls, improving blood flow.

Each medication type works differently, and doctors often prescribe a combination for better control.

Measuring your blood pressure at home

Measuring your blood pressure at home is a great way to monitor your health. Here’s how to do it accurately:

Steps to Measure Blood Pressure at Home

1. Choose a Reliable Monitor – Use an automatic, upper-arm cuff-style monitor for the most accurate readings.
2. Prepare Properly – Avoid smoking, caffeine, or exercise for at least 30 minutes before measuring.
3. Sit Correctly – Sit in a chair with back support, feet flat on the floor, and your arm resting at heart level.
4. Apply the Cuff – Place the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow on your bare arm.
5. Relax Before Measuring – Rest for 5 minutes before taking a reading. Avoid talking or using your phone.
6. Take Multiple Readings – Measure twice, 1–2 minutes apart, and record the average.
7. Track Your Readings – Keep a blood pressure log to monitor trends over time.

Note:

• Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
• Take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart
• Always record your reading in a blood pressure log.pdf.