Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
Couldn't load pickup availability
Share
Description
In Sweden, about one-third of the adult population has high blood pressure, which increases the risk of severe complications like stroke and heart attack if left undetected and untreated. Thus, blood pressure measurement is an essential part of routine health check-ups for adults.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is determined by the heart’s output (cardiac output) and the level of resistance in the blood vessels. Systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood from the left ventricle. Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood between beats.
To ensure adequate blood flow to all organs, blood pressure in the large arteries must be maintained at a stable level. Blood pressure regulation involves the autonomic nervous system, various hormonal systems, and local autoregulation within the vessel walls.
The optimal systolic blood pressure for an adult is below 120 mmHg, and diastolic pressure should be under 80 mmHg. A diagnosis of hypertension can be made if the blood pressure is consistently equal to or above 140/90 mmHg on 2-3 separate measurements taken at a healthcare facility.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day: it is lowest at night, rises in the morning and daytime, and falls again in the evening. The time of day when the measurement is taken can affect the reading (1).
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Elevated blood pressure itself is not a disease but a condition that increases the risk of health problems, similar to excessive alcohol consumption or speeding while driving. The condition becomes a medical concern if it affects organs like the heart, brain, eyes, or kidneys.
High blood pressure increases the risk of:
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Dementia
• Poor blood circulation in the legs
High blood pressure during pregnancy can also occur, sometimes due to preeclampsia, and is usually detected during routine check-ups with a midwife (2).
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure is generally harmless and does not usually require treatment. Most people with low blood pressure do not experience symptoms. If you experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, it’s recommended to sit or lie down with your legs elevated. In some cases, medical attention may be needed.
Low blood pressure is more common among young, tall, and thin individuals, with blood pressure levels varying significantly from person to person. It is also referred to as hypotension (3).
