The Importance Of Maintaining A Healthy Blood Pressure Level

An individual with a healthy blood pressure level delivers an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, tissues and organs of their body without putting undue strain on their heart. A dangerous blood pressure level is either much too low or much too high. If you wish to avoid serious health problems, taking measures to maintain a healthy blood pressure level is very important.

Hypotension And How To Avoid It

Hypotension is consistently low blood pressure with a systolic reading of less than 90 or a diastolic reading of less than 60. Only one of the two blood pressure readings needs to be consistently low in order for a health care provider to diagnose hypotension. Mild asymptomatic hypotension in an individual who is otherwise perfectly healthy generally isn't a cause for concern. On the other hand, severe hypotension requires immediate treatment because it means insufficient blood is reaching the vital organs. This can lead to organ failure, coma and even death.

Hypotension can have numerous causes including dehydration, malnutrition, blood loss, pregnancy, septicemia, allergic reactions, pregnancy and heart problems. If you wish to maintain a healthy blood pressure level that is not too low eat a healthy diet with sufficient calories, drink more water, avoid consuming excess carbohydrates and eat small meals regularly.

The Dangers Of Hypertension

An ideal healthy blood pressure level is a systolic reading of 120 and a diastolic reading of 80. If a person has a reading of 140/90 they have what is termed stage one hypertension. A person with a blood pressure measurement of 160/100 or more has stage two hypertension and is at very high risk of having a stroke, heart attack or aneurysm.

If a person has hypertension their heart is working much harder than that of an individual with healthy blood pressure levels. This can cause congestive heart failure or heart attack. Hypertension is often exacerbated by narrow or congested arteries and capillaries. This can cause clots to form and increases the risk of stroke or aneurysm. Elevated blood pressure can also cause blood vessels in major organs to burst. A number of blood vessels in the kidneys reduces their function and make them fail. Burst blood vessels in the eyes can cause blurred vision, partial loss of sight or even blindness. Kidney failure, stroke, aneurysm, heart attack and heart failure can lead to death, so elevated hypertension requires prompt and aggressive medical treatment.

You can avoid hypertension and maintain healthy blood pressure levels by making a few simple lifestyle amendments. Make sure you keep your BMI between 18 and 25 and find the time to exercise for at least half and hour three times per week. Try to avoid caffeine, nicotine and foods that are high in trans fats, sodium or sugar. Ice cream, for example, is considered particularly bad for the blood pressure. Do not drink more than one or two units of alcohol in any twenty-four hour period.

I you want a healthy blood pressure level you should also ensure that you get an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet, drink plenty of water, get sufficient rest, avoid stressors and increase your intake of foods such as bananas, avocados, oats, broccoli, olive oil, garlic, apples and oranges.