Why do we need to be concerned about our Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure (BP) is the measure of the force of the blood pushing through the walls of the arteries when the heart beats. When it is measured, two readings are recorded. A BP of 130/85mmHg or below is normal with 120/80mmHg as optimal. The top number is called the systolic pressure and represents the force of the blood as the heart beats to pump it around the body. The bottom number is the pressure when the heart is filling with blood again ready for its next beat.

A BP of 140/90mmHg or above is abnormal and is called high blood pressure or hypertension. our Blood Pressure will increase during our daily lives with stress levels and tends to increase as we get older.

The cause of high Blood Pressure is often unknown. The main long term risks of hypotension are stroke; heart failure; coronary heart disease; kidney failure and eye damage.

There is strong evidence that links our current high salt intakes to high Blood Pressure. It is also widely recognised that a high salt diet has other adverse effects. A study in post-menopausal women showed that the loss of hip bone density over two years was directly linked to their level of salt intake. It was calculated that a modest reduction in salt from 10g to 5g would have the same effect on hip bone density as an increase in calcium intake of 1000mg.

The key steps you can take to help keep your Blood Pressure down: get your BP checked regularly; eat less salt (no more than 6g a day); eat more fruit and vegetables; drink alcohol in moderation; keep a healthy weight and be as active as you can.

There have been two large studies in Australia that demonstrated a significant reduction in persons with moderately high BP whilst taking part in twice weekly Tai Chi classes. This positive effect does not last once a person stops attending the classes.

You will need to take medication if altering your diet and lifestyle has not lowered your BP enough or your BP is above 160/100mmHg.
The range of medications available work in different ways. Studies have shown that in order to reach their ideal BP most people will need to take two or more different tablets. This is because when you only take one tablet, your body will try to overcome that tablet and keep your Blood Pressure high. By taking more than one tablet with different ways of working, they become more effective.
Low Blood Pressure is only of some concern if you have a drop in your BP when you stand up. You will notice this by feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed on standing from sitting.
We can all experience this sudden drop of blood pressure, if we squat at low cupboards and then quickly stand up. However, if this happens each time you stand from sitting you will need to visit your GP to review possible courses of this postural hypotension. Your GP may advise you to slow down the speed you stand up and to remain still for a few minutes to slow down the speed you stand up and to remain still for a few minutes to prevent your feeling dizzy and possible falling.
A lesser known fact for us all to ponder on is that the Yamomamo Indians who live in the tropical jungle of Venezuela are thought to lead the same lifestyle all humans led up to 1000 years ago. Their diet consists of fruit, vegetable and roots with small amounts of meat. They have an average BP of 96/62mmHg which does not rise with age. They have an average cholesterol of around 3.1mmol/L and do not develop any diseases of the arteries.

Lynda Wheeler is a neurophysiotherapist working at Synergistics Wellness Centre. Balance – Excel – Harmonize Phone 5723031 for more information.