Blood Pressure: Normal Range, Type and Treatment by Dr. Subhash Kokane

What is Blood Pressure?

The heart's main function is to supply blood to all the organs and tissues in the body. With every beat, the heart pumps blood into the large blood vessels, thereby exerting pressure on the walls of the vessels. This phenomenon is called blood pressure.

Type of Blood Pressure

Now, blood pressure is usually of two types:

1. Systolic Blood Pressure

When the heart muscles are contracting and expelling oxygen-rich blood into the blood vessels

2. Diastolic Blood Pressure

When the heart muscles relax, the pressure on the blood vessels is called diastolic blood pressure. It is always lower than the systolic blood pressure

Now, if you want to know more, including the normal blood pressure range, the proper treatment and causes, you are at the right place! Let's delve into our conversation with renowned expert Dr. Subhash Kokane, a senior General Physician with an experience of more than 40 years.

Normal Blood Pressure Range

The only way to know if you have normal blood pressure is to get it measured. Understanding your blood pressure readings will help you know if you are healthy. According to Dr. Kokane, "Blood pressure that is less than 90/60 mmHg is known as low blood pressure or hypotension. Anything above 130/90 mmHg is known as high blood pressure or hypertension."

It is essential to monitor your blood pressure to know if it is under the normal BP range. "As you get your vehicles serviced to check the pressure of the tyre and see if it is functioning smoothly, it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure frequently as well," says Dr. Kokane.

Research shows that people's blood pressure control worsened during the pandemic due to decreased physical activity, stress, poor sleep cycles and other cardiovascular diseases. [1]

As a result, it is necessary to consult physicians to test your blood pressure; as Dr. Kokane says, "Blood vessel rupture due to high blood pressure can lead to stroke, paralysis, blindness and even heart attack."

High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Complications

If you are wondering how and when you will know if you have hypertension, then you need to look out for the high blood pressure symptoms mentioned below:

• Frequent headaches
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Pulsations in the neck or head
• Stress
• Alcoholism
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Hyperlipidaemia

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms and Complications

You will know if you have low blood pressure or hypotension if your levels go below 90/60 mmHg. However, diagnosing hypotension requires lab testing and doctor supervision. According to Focus Medica, low blood pressure is common in India, with more than ten lakh cases observed every year.

Low blood pressure symptoms include the following:

• Light-headedness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Fainting
• Heartbeats become noticeable

If hypotension is left untreated, it can cause the patient to fall frequently. In addition, dangerously low blood pressure levels result in stroke, kidney failure, heart attack or shock as the supply of blood to the organs decreases.

Blood Pressure Treatment

According to Dr. Kokane, "Early detection of a disease is critical in treating the patient and conducting other investigations. Diagnosed blood pressure can be of three types – mild, moderate or severe." For example, you might not need medication if you have elevated blood pressure (within 120-129). With simple lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, increased physical activity, weight loss in case of obesity and limiting alcohol intake, you can lower your blood pressure level.

The only way to indulge in effective blood pressure treatment is to consult a doctor. "Only a doctor can advise the right course of medication based on the level and type of blood pressure. The type of treatment varies if the blood pressure is related to pregnancy, obesity, hormonal or genetic factors," he added further.

To avoid complications in the future, the doctor may recommend treatment in the form of the following:

• Diet
• Meditation
• Exercise
• Medication

Dr. Kokane said the most common blood pressure symptoms are chest pain, diminished vision, breathlessness, headaches and nausea. Therefore, whenever you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must immediately consult a nearby doctor. "People with blood pressure symptoms must get their blood pressure checked three to four times by their physician. If elevated levels are noticed in your report, the doctor should investigate it further to opt for the right course of treatment at the primary stage. If it is diagnosed and treated early, the patient can lead a healthy and disease-free life", he added further.

If you want to consult doctors online, you can visit Bajaj Finserv Health or download the Bajaj Finserv Health app to find and schedule an appointment with expert doctors near you.