Hypertension and Blood Circulation

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Hypertension is high blood pressure.
• Blood pressure is measured by determining the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount flowing into the arteries.
• Blood pressure varies throughout the day.
• Higher blood flow indicates higher blood pressure.

Blood Circulation

• Oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart through arteries to all parts of the body.
• Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
• Blood returns through veins to the right atrium.
• Waste products are removed from tissues and travel with blood.
• Blood is pumped through the lungs to remove carbon dioxide.
• Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium and is then pumped throughout the body.

Blood Pressure Measurement

• Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.
• Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
• Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart contracts (ejects blood).
• Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes (fills with blood).
• Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
• High blood pressure is 130/90 or higher.

Stages of Hypertension

• Normal: Systolic < 120 and Diastolic < 80 mmHg
• Pre-hypertension: Systolic between 120 and 129, and Diastolic < 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic between 130 and 139 or Diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic at 140 mmHg or higher, or Diastolic at 90mmHg or higher

Symptoms of Hypertension

• Often called the "silent killer" because it can have no noticeable symptoms.
• Possible symptoms include: constant headache, rapid heart rate, chest pain, nosebleeds, weakness, dizziness, ringing in ears, blurred vision, and increased body temperature.

Causes of Hypertension

• Kidney diseases (low blood pressure in kidneys).
• Diabetes, genetics.
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Vascular dysfunction
• Taking certain medications (such as drugs, alcohol, or cortisone)
• Stress and anxiety
• Excessive salt intake
• Low potassium levels
• Excessive consumption of fatty foods

Complications of Hypertension

• Untreated hypertension can lead to increased strain on the heart and may cause enlargement.
• High blood pressure can cause an increase in fat and cholesterol deposition in arteries.
• Stroke (brain hemorrhage)
• Damage to blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
• Kidney failure
• Eye damage and blindness (rupture in eye vessels)

Treatment of Hypertension

• Lifestyle changes (reducing salt and increasing potassium and calcium intake, weight management, and regular exercise.)
• Medications: To lower blood pressure.
• Physician determined treatment.

Lifestyle changes to prevent hypertension

• Reduction of weight, especially around the abdomen
• Regular exercise to improve blood circulation
• Cessation of smoking
• Restrict sodium intake (less than 2000-3000 mg, 1000-2000 mg, less than 1000 mg for simple, moderate and severe pressure respectively.)
• Increasing potassium and calcium intake
• Avoiding foods with high salt content

Additional Tips

• Measure blood pressure regularly.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage blood pressure.
• Take prescribed medications as directed by the physician.
• Create a quiet environment, appropriate temperature for accurate blood pressure measurements.

This quiz explores the concepts of hypertension, blood circulation, and blood pressure measurement. Understand how blood pressure is measured, its variations, and the crucial role of blood circulation in oxygen and nutrient transport throughout the body. Test your knowledge on these vital health topics.