What is Blood Pressure?
Blood contains oxygen and other vital nutrients. Body needs blood for proper functioning of organs. Arteries carry blood from the Heart to all body organs. Blood does not move on its own, it needs force or pressure for this movement. Blood pressure is the force which makes the blood to flow within the arteries. If the Blood Pressure gets too high, it may burst the arteries. If the Blood Pressure gets too low, it may cause a Stroke, Heart Attack or even leave a person Brain dead. High Blood Pressure and Low Blood Pressure both are critical conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Lie down wherever you are. Call for a Doctor or an ambulance for help.
Blood Pressure of a person does not remain same all the time. It is affected by physical and emotional changes experienced by the body. Blood Pressure increases with exercise, nervousness and decreases with rest or sleep. Key to success is to maintain a balanced Blood Pressure.
Systolic and Diastolic
Blood Pressure of a body is measured in millimeters of mercury with an instrument called Sphygmomanometer. It is measured by getting two readings from a person, the upper reading (Systolic) and the lower reading (Diastolic). Systolic is the pressure within the arteries when heart beats. Diastolic is the pressure when heart rests between the heartbeats. Normal Blood Pressure of an adult is 120/80 mm Hg. Here 120 is Systolic and 80 is Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Pulse Pressure
Pulse Pressure is the difference between the two readings, Systolic and Diastolic. Its normal value is 40 mm Hg. If Pulse Pressure rises, it is called High Blood Pressure. If Pulse Pressure falls, it is called Low Blood Pressure. For more detailed information on High Blood Pressure and Low Blood Pressure you may visit our diseases section.
Plaque affects Blood Pressure
Plaque is made up of Cholesterol, fat and other substance. Plaque accumulates on the inner walls of arteries. It hardens over time, intercepts the Blood flow and leads to rise in the Blood Pressure. For a better understanding, imagine watering flowers in the garden. When the pressure is low we keep thumb on the hose mouth for increasing the water pressure, same happens in the arteries where plaque restricts the flow of blood and increases the pressure.
Prevent formation of Plaque
Plaque builds with unhealthy diet and lack of Exercise. Prevent formation of plaque by making following changes to your diet and life style.
1)
Saturated Fat. It raises the level of Cholesterol in the body. Avoid eating high-fat cuts of Meat (Lamb and Pork), Chicken with the skin, whole-fat Dairy products like Milk and Cream, Butter, Cheese, Ice cream, Palm and Coconut oil.
2)
Trans Fat. It is mainly found in processed food. It is used to improve taste and extend food life. Avoid eating Fast food, commercially baked Pastries, Cookies, Cakes, Doughnuts, Muffins, Microwave Popcorn, Chips, French fries, Fried chicken and Chicken nuggets).
3)
Dietary Cholesterol. It builds Plaque in the arteries. It is found in Dairy products like Eggs, Cheese and Meat. Avoid these to prevent formation of Plaque
4)
Herbs fight Plaque. Herbs like Arjuna, Garlic, Avocado, Asparagus and Cinnamon are effective in preventing and reversing Plaque from the arteries. For more information on how to use these Herbs, you may refer our Herbs section on the website.
5)
Quit Smoking. Smoking puts extra pressure on the artery walls. It makes the artery walls weak and leads to Plaque accumulation. Quit smoking if you want prevention from Plaque formation in the arteries.
6)
Exercise helps. Exercise improves Blood circulation in the body. 30 minutes of exercise daily may help in reducing Plaque formation in the body. You can select any Exercise between Jogging, Cycling, Swimming, Aerobics and Yoga.