Blood Pressure and Exercise
Written By: Zehra Nasirali
For: Mrs. Mcdonald
Course: PHF-2GI-O1
Date: 22 October, 1977
What is
blood pressure anyways and how is it created?
Well about 30 million people in the U.S. have high BP; this can be
termed as hypertension. Blood pressure is created when the force of blood
pushes against the walls of arteries and veins as it flows through them. When you go to the hospital and the nurse
wraps an inflatable piece of cloth around your arm and starts pumping air into
it, she is checking your blood pressure.
This machine is called a ‘sphygmomanometer’. Then at the end she gives you your reading. Ex: 120/80.
This first number is the ‘systolic pressure’ and the second is the
‘diastolic pressure’. The systolic
pressure increases as the heart beats; the higher it is, the lower the
diastolic pressure. This is because the
heart gets less time to relax, making it harder for the blood to flow each time
the heart beats. Some people may even
have mild hypertension or vice-versa; blood pressure lower than average. However blood pressure can be kept under
control if you abide by the following rules:
·
Put
yourself on a low-sodium diet because extra salt greatly contributes to the
rise of blood pressure.
·
People
with hypertension should limit their alcohol consumption and try to quit
smoking.
·
Increased
levels of potassium and calcium may help in controlling high Bp.
·
Avoid
isometrics as weight lifting may cause Bp to skyrocket.
·
Instead
try aerobic exercises. A good way to
start is to brisk walk.
·
Think
‘vegetarian’. Studies have shown that
vegetarians have lower Bp than the general population.
Last but
not least, malignant hypertension is a deadly pressure. The diastolic and systolic pressure go
skyrocketing and can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes or brain,
and if left untreated it can be fatal within six months. Therefore, though it is rare, it is a very
serious problem and must be treated by a physician as soon as possible.
Teachers
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