When you go to the doctor for a routine check-up, one of the things they will do is check your blood pressure. When you are in hospital for any kind of treatment, your blood pressure will be checked and monitored if you are staying overnight or for any length of time. This is because blood pressure is one of the most important things in our bodies to regulate, and it can change rapidly and regularly.
What is blood pressure?
Many of us hear about blood pressure without really understanding what it is. When your heart pumps blood around the body to provide oxygen and energy, it pushes against the blood vessels. This is, in basic terms, what blood pressure is. It's important that the blood isn't putting too much pressure on the vessels (high blood pressure), but it shouldn't put too little pressure on the vessels either (low blood pressure). In order to have a healthy blood pressure reading, your body should be pumping blood which puts just enough pressure on your blood vessels.
Why is high or low blood pressure dangerous?
High blood pressure can put lots of strain on your blood vessels and arteries, which basically means you are at a much higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Low blood pressure means that you will feel lethargic and lacking in energy, and can lead to episodes of fainting and in severe cases, can cause heart attacks and strokes too.
How do you manage your blood pressure?
There are several things you can do in order to make sure your blood pressure is healthy. While you may find it varies each time you get it checked by the doctor, you can lead a healthy lifestyle and make some changes in order to either decrease or increase your blood pressure (depending on what you have been advised). Regular exercise can help you to maintain a healthy blood pressure – 4-5 times a day for around 45 minutes. You can build this up if you are not used to exercising regularly – slowly add it into your weekly routine.
You should also avoid foods which are high in bad fats and sugary foods. If you have high blood pressure, avoid putting too much salt on your foods, while those with low blood pressure can afford to eat a little more salt. Include oily fish, nuts, seeds and bananas in your diet too.
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