Blood pressure is one of your most important physiological parameters.
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What about consistency?
How often do we check our blood pressure?
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Internal resistance to blood flow
The system that distributes blood around the body is called the vascular system, which consists of arteries, veins and capillaries. These structures provide an internal resistance to blood flow around the body.
The heart is the pumping centre
The heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood around the body. When blood enters the heart from the lungs, it is passed into a chamber that compresses. During the compression of this chamber, the internal pressure increases.
For the blood to be ejected from the heart, the pressure generated within the heart must exceed the internal resistance pressure of the arteries, veins and capillaries. When the internal resistance increases, the force generated by the heart also increases.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force the heart must exceed to pump blood around the body. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80.
Exercise and pregnancy
During exercise and pregnancy, it is normal for the blood pressure to rise. After training or pregnancy, your blood pressure will naturally reduce.
What causes internal resistance?
Internal resistance is caused by:
Blocked arteries
Hardening of the arteries
Other clinical pathologies (such as aortic stenosis, kidney failure, etc...)
Smoking reduces the vessels size (vasoconstriction)
Viscosity of blood
Why is blood pressure important?
Blood pressure is essential for life. However, if your blood pressure is consistently high, it leads to hypertension. Hypertension is a silent killer amongst Australians and is only ever diagnosed by accident via a random monitor at the doctors.
Therefore, controlling and maintaining your blood pressure within healthy and stable parameters is vital for long-term health. You can quickly get your blood pressure checked by seeing your local GP.
Awareness is powerful
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