What is Low Blood Pressure.
Blood Pressure is the pressure exerted on the inner walls of the arteries by the blood during its flow. It varies during the two stages of contraction and relaxation of the heart, and accordingly it is called systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Normal range of blood pressure for systolic and diastolic are defined and when the blood pressure falls below the normal levels, it is called Low Blood Pressure.
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Pressure exerted at the time of contraction of the heart (Systolic pressure) is higher than the pressure exerted during the relaxation of heart. (diastolic pressure).
The Normal Systolic Blood Pressure range is 120 to 140 mm of Hg and the Normal Diastolic Pressure range is 60 to 90 mm Hg. The blood pressure is thus mentioned as 120/80 mm of hg and simply means that the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80 mm hg.
‘ Hg ‘ is the chemical abbreviation for mercury and a mercury column is used in the glass tube of the conventional blood pressure measuring instrument called the sphygmomanometer.
There are other types of instruments also available for measuring blood pressure such as the Dial instrument or the digital instrument.
Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure below 90/60 mm hg is considered to be low. Most of the times there are no effects on the body and no symptoms present themselves. In such cases, even though the low blood pressure is detected, the physician does not advocate any treatment.
However, lower blood pressure can give rise to problems and warrant immediate medical intervention. Certain symptoms arise and are not to be neglected. Medical help is to be sought.
Low blood Pressure results in less flow of blood to the various organs in the body like the brain, the heart, the liver, the kidneys etc. This reduced blood supply and the resulting deficient oxygen supply cause the organs to function less than they should, and symptoms and signs pertaining to those organs are manifested. For example, less blood flow to the brain tissue will result in the patient feeling dizzy or he may even faint. These signs and symptoms are discussed under the relevant title.
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