Blood Pressure
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is an important factor in the circulatory system, as it ensures that blood is effectively transported throughout the body.
Definition and importance
Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting and pumping blood. Diastolic pressure is the lower number and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall health, as consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Factors affecting blood pressure
Several factors can affect blood pressure, including:
Heart rate: An increase in heart rate typically leads to an increase in blood pressure.
Blood volume: An increase in blood volume can raise blood pressure by increasing the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels.
Vessel diameter: Narrower blood vessels can cause increased resistance to blood flow, resulting in higher blood pressure.
Blood viscosity: Thicker blood, often caused by high levels of red blood cells or proteins, can increase blood pressure by making it more difficult for blood to flow through blood vessels.
Summary
Understanding blood pressure and the factors that affect it is essential for maintaining a healthy circulatory system and overall health.