Fluid systems in the body are notorious for the
high level of complexity in their physics. The
circulatory system is no different, and it is because of this that there are so many different factors that could affect a person’s
blood pressure. The rate the
heart pumps to the
viscosity of the blood itself, blood pressure has influences from multiple factors in the body. These factors may, in turn, be influenced by outside factors such as diet, exercise, disease, or drugs. It is because of this that blood pressure has an even greater number of indirect influences.
Let’s
start by discussing probably the most influential factor associated with blood pressure: the rate of pumping, more commonly referred to as the
heart rate. The average heart rate for a healthy human being runs between 70 and 75 beats per minute. The higher the heart rate is, the higher the blood pressure. Another physical factor related to blood pressure is the blood volume of the body. The more blood there is in the body, the higher the rate of blood return to the heart and the higher the blood pressure. There is a correlation between salt intake and blood volume in many people, though the amount to which it raises blood pressure varies.
Resistance and viscosity are two other major influencing factors in blood pressure. Resistance here relates to the
size of blood
vessels as well as the smoothness of these vessels. There are things in the body that affect the size of blood vessels. Some
make them thinner, which increases blood pressure, while others do the opposite.
Fatty acids are
responsible for the smoothness of blood vessels, because the more that is deposited on the walls, the less resistance there is. Viscosity, on the other hand, is the thickness of the blood flowing through the body. The thicker the blood that’s pumping through a body’s veins, the higher the blood pressure will be. Certain illnesses affect the viscosity of blood, as well as the level of sugars in the blood.
While thus far high blood pressure has been the
effect of these factors, there are certainly ones that influence low blood pressure as well. Some causes of low blood pressure include
sepsis, hemorrhaging, certain toxins, and hormonal abnormalities. On a lighter note, simply sitting and standing could lower blood pressure as well, though the factors that influence low blood pressure are usually more severe.
Are you or someone you know suffering from high blood pressure? What are some factors other factors that affect high blood pressure?
Mr. Bananahealth-and-fitness-buzz.blogspot
Comments (7)
I have fairly low blood pressure. Don't know why.
I have it, but have family history and medical conditions that cause mine along with being a bit overweight and high stress.
pretty informative, but it would have been more helpful if there were actually tips on how to maintain a healthy blood pressure, or how to lower high blood pressure. a friend of mine is only 21 and has high blood pressure, and i suspect that it's her highly fatty, red-meat heavy diet. she says that exercising alone will save her, but i definitely think that she should change her diet, too.
My dad has had high blood pressure for twenty years. My doctor is amazed at how high it is because he's been on four pills for several years and exercises and eats right, and it STILL won't go down to where it needs to be. My brother recently has been having high blood pressure too. This is pretty informative but I would like to see more about what specific foods and activities can increase/decrease blood pressure.
the food you eat and when your angry can affect your blood pressure. be happy...be happy :)
It's nice to read a post about high blood pressure that doesn't feel like you're being lectured to on the sins of salt / lack of exercise/ etc.
It's been reported that some 90% of the causes of high blood pressure are not really known - just guesses.
Genetics plays a significant role - but that doesn't mean you can do anything about it.
I have lowered severely high blood pressure by diet and exercises (no meds).
I now have a blog devoted to exploring and sharing natural remedies to high blood pressure.
Come on over!
Simon
http://highbloodpressurebegone.com
good post