Formula for the pressure of air, vapor, liquid, or solid. How to find pressure (formula)? High and low blood pressure: the norm for age, preparations for stabilization

Nobody likes to be under pressure. And it doesn't matter which one. Queen also sang about this along with David Bowie in their famous single "Under pressure". What is pressure? How to understand pressure? In what it is measured, by what instruments and methods, where it is directed and what it presses on. The answers to these and other questions - in our article about pressure in physics and not only.

If the teacher puts pressure on you by asking tricky problems, we will make sure that you can answer them correctly. After all, understanding the essence of things is the key to success! So what is pressure in physics?

By definition:

Pressure is a scalar physical quantity equal to the force acting per unit area of ​​the surface.

In the international system, the SI is measured in Pascals and is marked with the letter p . Pressure unit - 1 Pascal. Russian designation - Pa, international - Pa.

According to the definition, to find pressure, you need to divide the force by the area.

Any liquid or gas placed in a vessel exerts pressure on the walls of the vessel. For example, borscht in a saucepan acts on its bottom and walls with some pressure. Formula for determining fluid pressure:

where g is the acceleration of free fall in the gravitational field of the earth, h- the height of the borscht column in the pan, Greek letter "ro"- the density of borscht.

The most commonly used instrument for measuring pressure is the barometer. But what is pressure measured in? In addition to pascal, there are other off-system units of measurement:

  • atmosphere;
  • millimeter of mercury;
  • millimeter of water column;
  • meter of water column;
  • kilogram-force.

Depending on the context, different off-system units are used.

For example, when you listen to or read the weather forecast, there is no question of Pascals. They talk about millimeters of mercury. One millimeter of mercury is 133 Pascal. If you drive, you probably know that the normal pressure in the wheels of a car is about two atmospheres.


Atmosphere pressure

The atmosphere is a gas, more precisely, a mixture of gases that is held near the Earth due to gravity. The atmosphere passes into interplanetary space gradually, and its height is approximately 100 kilometers.

How to understand the expression "atmospheric pressure"? Above every square meter of the earth's surface is a hundred-kilometer column of gas. Of course, the air is transparent and pleasant, but it has a mass that presses on the surface of the earth. This is atmospheric pressure.

Normal atmospheric pressure is considered to be equal to 101325 Pa. This is the pressure at sea level at 0 degrees Celsius. Celsius. The same pressure at the same temperature is exerted on its base by a column of mercury with a height 766 millimeters.

The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure. For example, on top of a mountain Chomolungma it is only one-fourth of normal atmospheric pressure.


Arterial pressure

Another example where we encounter pressure in everyday life is the measurement of blood pressure.

Blood pressure is blood pressure, i.e. The pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels, in this case arteries.

If you have measured your blood pressure and you have it 120 on the 80 , then all is well. If a 90 on the 50 or 240 on the 180 , then it will definitely not be interesting for you to figure out what this pressure is measured in and what it generally means.


However, the question arises: 120 on the 80 what exactly? Pascals, millimeters of mercury, atmospheres or some other units of measurement?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. It determines the excess pressure of the fluid in the circulatory system over atmospheric pressure.

Blood exerts pressure on the vessels and thereby compensates for the effect of atmospheric pressure. Otherwise, we would simply be crushed by a huge mass of air above us.

But why are there two digits in the blood pressure measurement?

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The fact is that the blood moves in the vessels not evenly, but in jolts. The first digit (120) is called systolic pressure. This is the pressure on the walls of blood vessels at the time of contraction of the heart muscle, its value is the largest. The second digit (80) defines the smallest value and is called diastolic pressure.

When measuring, the values ​​​​of systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded. For example, for a healthy person, a typical blood pressure value is 120 to 80 millimeters of mercury. This means that the systolic pressure is 120 mm. rt. Art., and diastolic - 80 mm Hg. Art. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is called pulse pressure.

physical vacuum

Vacuum is the absence of pressure. More precisely, its almost complete absence. Absolute vacuum is an approximation, like an ideal gas in thermodynamics and a material point in mechanics.

Depending on the concentration of the substance, low, medium and high vacuum are distinguished. The best approximation to the physical vacuum is outer space, in which the concentration of molecules and pressure are minimal.


Pressure is the main thermodynamic parameter of the state of the system. It is possible to determine the pressure of air or another gas not only by instruments, but also using equations, formulas and laws of thermodynamics. And if you don’t have time to figure it out, the student service will help you solve any problem of determining pressure.

We all had our blood pressure taken. Almost everyone knows that the normal pressure is 120/80 mmHg. But not everyone can answer what these numbers actually mean.

Let's try to figure out what upper / lower pressure generally means, as well as how these values ​​differ from each other. First, let's define the concepts.

Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important indicators, it demonstrates the functioning of the circulatory system. This indicator is formed with the participation of the heart, blood vessels and blood moving through them.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the wall of an artery

Moreover, it depends on the resistance of the blood, its volume, "ejected" as a result of one contraction (this is called systole), and the intensity of contractions of the heart. The highest blood pressure can be observed when the heart contracts and "ejects" blood from the left ventricle, and the lowest - during entry into the right atrium, when the main muscle is relaxed (diastole). Here we come to the most important.

Under the upper pressure or, in the language of science, systolic, refers to the pressure of the blood during contraction. This indicator shows how the heart contracts. The formation of such pressure is carried out with the participation of large arteries (for example, the aorta), and this indicator depends on a number of key factors.

These include:

  • stroke volume of the left ventricle;
  • distensibility of the aorta;
  • maximum ejection speed.

As for the lower pressure (in other words, diastolic), it shows what resistance the blood experiences while moving through the blood vessels. Lower pressure occurs when the aortic valve closes and blood cannot return to the heart. In this case, the heart itself is filled with other blood, saturated with oxygen, and prepares for the next contraction. The movement of blood occurs as if by gravity, passively.

Factors that affect diastolic pressure include:

  • heart rate;
  • peripheral vascular resistance.

Note! In the normal state, the difference between the two indicators ranges between 30 mm and 40 mm Hg, although much here depends on the person's well-being. Despite the fact that there are specific figures and facts, each organism is individual, as well as its blood pressure.

We conclude: in the example given at the beginning of the article (120/80), 120 is an indicator of upper blood pressure, and 80 is lower.

Blood pressure - norm and deviations

Tellingly, the formation of blood pressure depends mainly on lifestyle, nutritious diet, habits (including bad ones), and the frequency of stress. For example, by eating a particular food, you can specifically lower / increase blood pressure. It is authentically known that there were cases when people were completely cured of hypertension after changing their habits and lifestyle.

Why do you need to know the value of blood pressure?

For every 10 mmHg increase, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases by about 30 percent. People with high blood pressure are seven times more likely to develop a stroke, four times more likely to have coronary heart disease, and two times more likely to develop damage to the blood vessels of the lower extremities.

That is why finding out the cause of symptoms such as dizziness, migraines or general weakness should begin with measuring blood pressure. In some cases, the pressure must be constantly monitored and checked every few hours.

How pressure is measured

In most cases, blood pressure is measured using a special device consisting of the following elements:

  • pneumocuff for arm compression;
  • manometer;
  • pear with a control valve designed for pumping air.

The cuff is placed over the shoulder. During the measurement process, it is necessary to adhere to certain requirements, otherwise the result may be incorrect (underestimated or overestimated), which, in turn, may affect the subsequent treatment tactics.

Blood pressure - measurement

  1. The cuff should fit the size of the arm. For overweight people and children, special cuffs are used.
  2. The environment should be comfortable, the temperature should be room temperature, and you should start at least after a five-minute rest. If it is cold, vascular spasms will occur and the pressure will rise.
  3. You can perform the procedure only half an hour after eating, coffee or smoking.
  4. Before the procedure, the patient sits down, leans on the back of the chair, relaxes, his legs at this time should not be crossed. The hand should also be relaxed and lie motionless on the table until the end of the procedure (but not on the "weight").
  5. No less important is the height of the table: it is necessary that the fixed cuff is located at the level of approximately the fourth intercostal space. For each five-centimeter displacement of the cuff in relation to the heart, the indicator will decrease (if the limb is raised) or increase (if lowered) by 4 mmHg.
  6. During the procedure, the pressure gauge scale should be at eye level - so there will be less chance of making a mistake when reading.
  7. Air is pumped into the cuff so that the internal pressure in it exceeds the approximate systolic blood pressure by at least 30 mmHg. If the pressure in the cuff is too high, pain may occur and, as a result, blood pressure may change. Air should be discharged at a speed of 3-4 mmHg per second, tones are heard with a tonometer or stethoscope. It is important that the head of the device does not press too hard on the skin - this can also distort the readings.

  8. During the reset, the appearance of the tone (this is called the first phase of the Korotkoff tones) will correspond to the upper pressure. When, upon subsequent listening, the tones disappear altogether (fifth phase), the resulting value will correspond to the lower pressure.
  9. A few minutes later, another measurement is taken. The average value obtained from several consecutive measurements reflects the state of affairs more accurately than a single procedure.
  10. The first measurement is recommended to be carried out on both hands at once. Then you can use one hand - the one on which the pressure is higher.

Note! If a person has a heart rhythm disorder, then measuring blood pressure will be a more complicated procedure. Therefore, it is better that a medical officer does this.

How to evaluate your blood pressure

The higher a person's blood pressure, the greater the likelihood of such ailments as stroke, ischemia, renal failure, and so on. For an independent assessment of the pressure indicator, you can use a special classification developed back in 1999.

Table number 1. Assessment of the level of blood pressure. Norm

* - optimal in terms of the development of vascular and heart diseases, as well as mortality.

Note! If the upper and lower blood pressure are in different categories, then the one that is higher is selected.

Table number 2. Assessment of the level of blood pressure. Hypertension

PressureUpper pressure, mmHgLower pressure, mmHg
First degree140 to 15990 to 99
Second degree160 to 179100 to 109
Third degreeOver 180Over 110
Border Degree140 to 149Up to 90
Systolic hypertensionOver 140Up to 90

One of the most important components of the full performance of its functions by the body is blood pressure.

Thanks to him, blood flow to human organs is carried out.

In the case when the blood pressure indicators exceed the physiological norm or do not reach it, there is a danger to health, and sometimes a threat to life.

Letters from our readers

Topic: Grandma's blood pressure returned to normal!

To: site administration


Kristina
Moscow city

My grandmother's hypertension is hereditary - most likely, the same problems await me with age.

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries. The established unit of blood pressure measurement is mm Hg. Art.

Pressure classification:

  • arterial (its parameters demonstrate the screen of the tonometer);
  • capillary;
  • venous.

There is also a central blood pressure. It originates in the aorta (the largest arterial vessel in the body). Its numbers are below the arterial level, and this is more pronounced in young people. When growing up, these parameters are aligned.

Blood pressure is one of the indicators of how viable the body is. It shows the state of human health, the presence of chronic pathologies.

The level of blood pressure depends on the following indicators:

  • strength and frequency of contraction of the heart muscle;
  • values ​​of the tone of the walls of arterioles, capillaries;
  • volume of blood flow.

Over the years, especially after 50 years, the indicators on the tonometer most often begin to grow. If the upper limit exceeds 140 mm Hg. Art., and the lower one becomes more than 90 mm Hg. Art., measures should be taken to stabilize the parameters.

Table: Dependence of blood pressure indicators on age

When the BP jumps above 140/90 mm Hg. Art., this condition is called hypertension, and its decrease below 110/60 mm Hg. Art. - hypotension. Most often, these conditions are commonly referred to as "hypertension", "hypotension".

There are cases when only the upper limit increases separately, which means that isolated systolic hypertension is detected.

Elevated blood pressure is quite common, especially in women over 40 years of age. Such a pathology does not appear immediately, the first signs often resemble overwork, and few people pay attention to them.

Signs of hypertension:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • pain in the chest area;
  • failure of the heart rhythm;
  • darkness in the eyes;
  • redness of the face;
  • fever, excessive sweating, but hands remain cold;
  • dyspnea;
  • puffiness.

If measures are not taken immediately, then more dangerous conditions develop later, for example, kidney, heart failure, and brain blood flow may be disturbed. In the absence of adequate therapy at this stage, it is even possible.

Hypertension is a rather dangerous condition and should not be taken lightly. Against its background, myocardial infarction and stroke can develop.

In addition, patients often have such pathologies:

  • consciousness worsens;
  • the retina of the eye changes;
  • the walls of the arteries are damaged;
  • visual acuity decreases;
  • blindness develops.

Why are blood pressure levels rising? There are many reasons for this, one of them is excitement, anxiety, stressful situations. People with a genetic predisposition to it also suffer from hypertension. If a hereditary aggravating factor is found, health should be treated more carefully.

An important role is played by lifestyle, environmental conditions, nutrition, addiction to bad habits, inactivity. All this together are factors against which the pressure indicator can increase every year, if measures are not taken in time, the instructions and prescriptions of the doctor are ignored.

If you seek help in a timely manner at the first manifestations of the pathology, you can avoid the development of complications.

Usually for treatment. The way of life is also corrected, food habits change. It is recommended to go in for sports, walk more, eliminate excitement, stress.

All this in combination allows you to stabilize the state of the body, maintain blood pressure within the normal range.

Reduced pressure numbers are no less common than hypertension. In such a situation, the values ​​on the tonometer decrease below the blood pressure indicators that are observed in a person with good health.

There is such a classification of pathology:

  • Physiological hypotension. When people who are prone to lower blood pressure do not complain about their condition, although the pressure figures become at the level of 90/60 mm Hg. Art. and below. When these values ​​change upwards, the overall well-being begins to deteriorate.
  • Pathological form of the disease or true hypotension. In this situation, blood pressure parameters fall below those that are normal for a person. With this form of pathology, there are complaints of a headache in the occipital part of the head, lethargy and weakness, excessive fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and an urge to vomit.

The factors that lead to the development of hypotension include the psycho-emotional state of a person. Its appearance is facilitated by prolonged mental activity, inactivity, lack of physical activity.

When the volume of muscle mass decreases, the function of the heart muscle is performed poorly, protein and mineral metabolism gets lost, and problems begin in the work of the respiratory system.

There is a decrease in the level of blood pressure and during activities in harmful conditions, especially high temperatures, excessive humidity, and being underground affect a person. Pathologies of the cardiovascular, as well as the central nervous system, are capable of provoking the development of hypotension. Failures in the work of the endocrine system, the activity of the adrenal glands and the respiratory system lead to pressure surges.

Hypotension is a common occurrence in a sports environment. It manifests itself as protection against great physical exertion. The body in this state enters an economical mode, a “pathology of high fitness” develops.

Is hypotension dangerous? Its physiological form does not pose a danger, at the same time the body is trying its best to increase blood pressure to standard numbers. Sometimes this leads to hypertension, and in young people.

In the pathological form, the development of complex pathologies is possible, the appearance of autonomic dysfunction of the cells of the nervous system. Among the possible complications are bleeding in the stomach or intestinal area, acute heart attack, any kind of shock, malfunctions in the activity of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.

The most informative symptom that this condition manifests is low blood pressure numbers. If vegetative reactions occur, the following may also be observed:

  • unconscious state;
  • problems with memory, brain performance;
  • violations of coordination of movements;
  • decrease in visual acuity;
  • dysfunction of the heart muscle.

If a decrease in pressure numbers is a frequent occurrence, and it appears against the background of another disease, you need to pay attention to this moment. You should consult a doctor, undergo an examination, conduct therapy.

Various methods can be used to treat hypertension.

Non-drug methods

These include:

  • adequate physical activity;
  • minimal alcohol consumption;
  • weight loss;
  • to give up smoking;
  • exclusion of salt from the diet;
  • increasing the volume of food of plant origin in the menu, the exclusion of animal fats from the menu.

Medications are started when other methods have not worked, or blood pressure is too high. In addition, it is required in the presence of serious pathologies.

These include:

  • diabetes;
  • development of a hypertensive crisis;
  • malfunctions of target organs;
  • kidney pathology;
  • atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries;
  • hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart muscle.

With a mild degree of the disease, tablets are prescribed, this is aimed at lowering the level of blood pressure to normal levels relative to the patient's age.

It is possible to use several drugs, the dosage of which is determined taking into account the indicators on the tonometer, as well as the presence of aggravating factors.

In order to prevent health complications, jumps in numbers on the tonometer, the appearance of complications, it is best to deal with the prevention of these situations.

Prevention measures:

  • Compliance with the daily routine. It is advisable to ensure sleep in comfortable conditions for at least 7-8 hours, go to bed and get up at the same time. For a hypertensive patient, it is important to do work without tiring trips or night shifts.
  • Well-planned diet. The menu should include lean fish, fruits and vegetables, eat more cereals, lean meat. Salt intake should be reduced as much as possible.
  • Active lifestyle. It is advisable to regularly perform gymnastics, walk in the evening before going to bed for half an hour, go swimming.
  • Exclusion of stress, anxiety, emotional overstrain. It is recommended to engage in psychological unloading with the help of auto-training, self-hypnosis, meditation.

It is very important for each person to monitor their health, pay attention in time to even minor signs of illness, including non-standard blood pressure numbers. Responsible attitude to your body will allow you to maintain the quality of life and prolong it.

Everything is quite simple. It is one of the main indicators of the activity of the cardiovascular system. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

What is BP?

Blood pressure is the process of squeezing the walls of capillaries, arteries and veins under the influence of blood circulation.

Types of blood pressure:

  • upper, or systolic;
  • lower, or diastolic.

When determining the level of blood pressure, both of these values ​​\u200b\u200bmust be taken into account. The units of its measurement remained the very first - millimeters of a mercury column. This is due to the fact that mercury was used in the old devices to determine the level of blood pressure. Therefore, the BP indicator looks like this: upper blood pressure (for example, 130) / lower blood pressure (for example, 70) mm Hg. Art.

Circumstances that directly affect the range of blood pressure include:

  • the level of strength of contractions performed by the heart;
  • the proportion of blood pushed out by the heart during each contraction;
  • resistance of the walls of blood vessels, which is the flow of blood;
  • the amount of blood circulating in the body;
  • fluctuations in pressure in the chest, which are caused by the respiratory process.

Blood pressure levels can change throughout the day and with age. But for most healthy people, a stable blood pressure indicator is characteristic.

Definition of types of blood pressure

Systolic (upper) blood pressure is a characteristic of the general condition of the veins, capillaries, arteries, as well as their tone, which is caused by contraction of the heart muscle. It is responsible for the work of the heart, namely, with what force the latter is able to expel blood.

Thus, the level of upper pressure depends on the strength and speed with which heart contractions occur.

It is unreasonable to assert that arterial and cardiac pressure is one and the same concept, since the aorta also participates in its formation.

The lower characterizes the activity of blood vessels. In other words, this is the level of blood pressure at the moment when the heart is maximally relaxed.

Lower pressure is formed as a result of the contraction of peripheral arteries, through which blood enters the organs and tissues of the body. Therefore, the state of blood vessels is responsible for the level of blood pressure - their tone and elasticity.

How to know the level of blood pressure?

You can find out your blood pressure level using a special device called a blood pressure monitor. This can be done both at the doctor's (or nurse's) and at home, having previously bought the device at the pharmacy.

There are the following types of tonometers:

  • automatic;
  • semi-automatic;
  • mechanical.

A mechanical tonometer consists of a cuff, a pressure gauge or display, a pear for pumping air and a stethoscope. Principle of operation: put the cuff on your arm, put a stethoscope under it (while you should hear the pulse), inflate the cuff with air until it stops, and then start to lower it gradually, unscrewing the wheel on the pear. At some point, you will clearly hear pulsating sounds in the stethoscope headphones, then they will stop. These two marks are the upper and lower blood pressure.

Consists of a cuff, an electronic display and a pear. Principle of operation: put on the cuff, pump up the air to the maximum with a pear, then let it out. The electronic display shows the upper and lower values ​​of blood pressure and the number of beats per minute - the pulse.

An automatic blood pressure monitor consists of a cuff, an electronic display and a compressor that performs inflation and deflation manipulations. Principle of operation: put on the cuff, start the device and wait for the result.

It is generally accepted that a mechanical tonometer gives the most accurate result. It's also more affordable. At the same time, automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors remain the most convenient to use. Such models are especially suitable for older people. Moreover, some types have the function of voice notification of pressure indicators.

It is worth measuring blood pressure indicators no earlier than thirty minutes after any physical exertion (even minor ones) and an hour after drinking coffee and alcohol. Before the measurement process itself, you need to sit quietly for a couple of minutes, catch your breath.

Blood pressure - the norm by age

Each person has an individual which may not be associated with any diseases.

The level of blood pressure is determined by a number of factors that are of particular importance:

  • age and gender of the person;
  • personal characteristics;
  • life style;
  • lifestyle features, preferred type of vacation, and so on).

Even blood pressure tends to rise when performing unusual physical exertion and emotional stress. And if a person constantly performs physical activity (for example, an athlete), then the level of blood pressure can also change both for a while and for a long period. For example, when a person is under stress, his blood pressure can rise to thirty mm Hg. Art. from the norm.

However, there are still certain limits of normal blood pressure. And even every ten points of deviation from the norm indicate a violation of the body.

Blood pressure - the norm by age

Age

The upper level of blood pressure, mm Hg. Art.

The lower level of blood pressure, mm Hg. Art.

1 - 10 years

from 95 to 110

16 - 20 years old

from 110 to 120

21 - 40 years old

from 120 to 130

41 - 60 years old

61 - 70 years old

from 140 to 147

Over 71 years old

You can also calculate the individual value of blood pressure using the following formulas:

1. For men:

  • upper BP \u003d 109 + (0.5 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg);
  • lower BP \u003d 74 + (0.1 * number of full years) + (0.15 * weight in kg).

2. For women:

  • upper BP \u003d 102 + (0.7 * number of full years) + 0.15 * weight in kg);
  • lower blood pressure \u003d 74 + (0.2 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg).

The resulting value is rounded to an integer according to the rules of arithmetic. That is, if it turned out to be 120.5, then when rounded it will be 121.

Elevated blood pressure

High blood pressure is a high level of at least one of the indicators (lower or upper). It is necessary to judge the degree of its overestimation, taking into account both indicators.

Regardless of whether the lower blood pressure is high or upper, it is a disease. And it's called hypertension.

There are three degrees of the disease:

  • the first - GARDEN 140-160 / DBP 90-100;
  • the second - SAD 161-180 / DBP 101-110;
  • the third - GARDEN 181 and more / DBP 111 and more.

It is worth talking about hypertension when there is a high level of blood pressure values ​​for a long period.

According to statistics, an overestimated indicator of systolic pressure is most often observed in women, and diastolic - in men and the elderly.

Symptoms of high blood pressure can be:

  • decrease in working capacity;
  • appearance of fatigue;
  • frequent feelings of weakness;
  • morning pain in the back of the head;
  • frequent dizziness;
  • occurrence of bleeding from the nose;
  • noise in ears;
  • decreased visual acuity;
  • appearance at the end of the day.

Causes of high blood pressure

If lower arterial, then most likely this is one of the symptoms of a disease of the thyroid gland, kidneys, adrenal glands, which began to produce renin in large quantities. It, in turn, increases the tone of the muscles of the blood vessels.

Elevated lower blood pressure is fraught with the development of even more serious diseases.

High upper pressure indicates too frequent contractions of the heart.

A jump in blood pressure can be caused by a number of reasons. This is for example:

  • vasoconstriction due to atherosclerosis;
  • overweight;
  • diabetes;
  • stressful situations;
  • malnutrition;
  • excessive consumption of alcohol, strong coffee and tea;
  • smoking;
  • lack of physical activity;
  • frequent weather changes;
  • some diseases.

What is low BP?

Low blood pressure is vegetovascular dystonia or hypotension.

What happens with hypotension? When the heart contracts, blood enters the vessels. They expand and then gradually narrow. Thus, the vessels help the blood to move further through the circulatory system. The pressure is normal. For a number of reasons, vascular tone may decrease. They will remain expanded. Then there is not enough resistance for the movement of blood, because of which the pressure drops.

The level of blood pressure in hypotension: upper - 100 or less, lower - 60 or less.

If the pressure drops sharply, then the blood supply to the brain is limited. And this is fraught with such consequences as dizziness and fainting.

Symptoms may be:

  • increased fatigue and lethargy;
  • darkening in the eyes;
  • frequent shortness of breath;
  • cold feeling in hands and feet;
  • hypersensitivity to loud sounds and bright lights;
  • muscle weakness;
  • motion sickness in transport;
  • frequent headaches.

What is the reason for low blood pressure?

Poor joint tone and low blood pressure (hypotension) can be present from birth. But more often the culprits of low blood pressure are:

  • Severe fatigue and stress. Congestion at work and at home, stress and lack of sleep cause a decrease in vascular tone.
  • Heat and stuffiness. When you sweat, a large amount of fluid comes out of the body. In order to maintain water balance, it pumps water out of the blood that flows through the veins and arteries. Its volume decreases, vascular tone decreases. The pressure drops.
  • Taking medication. Heart drugs, antibiotics, antispasmodics and painkillers can “drop” the pressure.
  • The occurrence of allergic reactions anything with possible anaphylactic shock.

If you have not had hypotension before, do not leave unpleasant symptoms unattended. They can be dangerous "bells" of tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, complications after a concussion and other diseases. Contact a therapist.

What to do to normalize the pressure?

These tips will help you feel alert all day if you are hypotensive.

  1. Don't rush to get out of bed. Wake up - do a little warm-up lying down. Move your arms and legs. Then sit down and stand up slowly. Perform actions without sudden movements. they can cause fainting.
  2. Take a contrast shower in the morning for 5 minutes. Alternate water - a minute warm, a minute cool. This will help to cheer up and is good for blood vessels.
  3. A good cup of coffee! But only a natural tart drink will raise the pressure. Drink no more than 1-2 cups per day. If you have heart problems, drink green tea instead of coffee. It invigorates no worse than coffee, but does not harm the heart.
  4. Sign up for a pool. Go at least once a week. Swimming improves vascular tone.
  5. Buy a tincture of ginseng. This natural "energy" gives tone to the body. Dissolve 20 drops of tincture in ¼ cup of water. Drink half an hour before meals.
  6. Eat sweets. As soon as you feel weak - eat ½ teaspoon of honey or a little dark chocolate. Sweets will drive away fatigue and drowsiness.
  7. Drink clean water. Daily 2 liters of pure and non-carbonated. This will help keep your blood pressure at a normal level. If you have a sick heart and kidneys, a doctor should prescribe a drinking regimen.
  8. get enough sleep. A rested body will work as it should. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
  9. Get a massage. According to experts in oriental medicine, there are special points on the body. By acting on them, you can improve your well-being. The point that is located between the nose and the upper lip is responsible for the pressure. Gently massage it with your finger for 2 minutes in a clockwise direction. Do this when you feel weak.

First aid for hypotension and hypertension

If you feel dizzy, severe weakness, tinnitus, call an ambulance. In the meantime, the doctors go, act:

  1. Open the collar of your clothes. The neck and chest should be free.
  2. Lie down. Lower your head down. Place a small pillow under your feet.
  3. Smell ammonia. If it is not available, use table vinegar.
  4. Have some tea. Definitely strong and sweet.

If you feel the approach of a hypertensive crisis, then you also need to call the doctors. In general, this disease should always be supported by preventive treatment. As first aid measures, you can resort to the following actions:

  1. Organize a foot bath with hot water, which is pre-added with mustard. An alternative would be to apply mustard compresses to the area of ​​the heart, back of the head and calves.
  2. Lightly bind the right, and then the left arm and leg for half an hour each side. When the tourniquet is applied, a pulse should be felt.
  3. Drink a drink from chokeberry. It can be wine, compote, juice. Or eat jam from this berry.

To reduce the risk of occurrence and development of hypotension and hypertension, you should adhere to a healthy diet, prevent excess weight, exclude harmful foods from the list, and move more.

Pressure should be measured from time to time. When observing a trend of high or low blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the causes and prescribe treatment. Prescribed therapy may include methods to normalize blood pressure, such as taking special medicines and herbal infusions, dieting, performing a set of exercises, and so on.

Blood pressure: what is considered normal, how to measure, what to do with high and low?

Mankind owes a lot to the Italian Riva-Rocci, who at the end of the century before last came up with a device that measures blood pressure (BP). At the beginning of the last century, this invention was wonderfully supplemented by the Russian scientist N.S. Korotkov, proposing a method for measuring pressure in the brachial artery with a phonendoscope. Although Riva-Rocci apparatus was bulky compared to current tonometers and really mercury, but the principle of its operation has not changed for almost 100 years. And the doctors loved him. Unfortunately, now you can only see it in a museum, because compact (mechanical and electronic) devices of a new generation have come to replace it. But auscultatory method N.S. Korotkov is still with us and is successfully used by both doctors and their patients.

Where is the norm?

The norm of blood pressure in adults is considered to be the value120/80 mmHg st. But how can this indicator be fixed if a living organism, which is a person, must constantly adapt to various conditions of existence? And people are all different, so within reasonable limits, blood pressure still deviates.

infographic: RIA Novosti

Although modern medicine has abandoned the previous complex formulas for calculating blood pressure, which took into account such parameters as gender, age, weight, there are still discounts for something. For example, for an asthenic "lightweight" woman, the pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. Art. considered quite normal, and if blood pressure rises by 20 mm Hg. Art., then she will certainly feel it. In the same way, a pressure of 130/80 mm Hg will be the norm. Art. for the trained young man. After all, athletes usually have it.

Fluctuations in blood pressure will still be influenced by factors such as age, physical activity, psycho-emotional environment, climatic and weather conditions. , perhaps, hypertension would not have suffered if he had lived in another country. How else to understand the fact that on the black African continent among the indigenous population of the AG can be found only occasionally, and blacks in the United States suffer from it indiscriminately? It turns out that only BP does not depend on race.

However, if the pressure rises slightly (10 mm Hg) and only to give a person the opportunity to adapt to the environment, that is, occasionally, all this is considered the norm and does not give reason to think about the disease.

With age, blood pressure also rises slightly. This is due to a change in blood vessels that deposit something on their walls. In practically healthy people, the deposits are quite small, so the pressure will increase by 10-15 mm Hg. pillar.

If the blood pressure values ​​cross the line of 140/90 mm Hg. st., will steadfastly hold on to this figure, and sometimes also move upwards, such a person will be diagnosed with arterial hypertension of the appropriate degree, depending on the pressure values. Therefore, for adults there is no norm for blood pressure by age, there is only a small discount for age. But with children, things are a little different.

Video: how to keep blood pressure normal?

And what about children?

Blood pressure in children has different values ​​than adults. And it grows, starting from birth, at first quite quickly, then growth slows down, with some upward jumps in adolescence, and reaches the level of adult blood pressure. Of course, it would be surprising if the pressure of such a small newborn child, having everything so "new", was 120/80 mm Hg. Art.

The structure of all organs of a newly born baby has not yet been completed, this also applies to the cardiovascular system. The vessels of the newborn are elastic, their lumen is wider, the network of capillaries is larger, so the pressure is 60/40 mm Hg. Art. it will be the norm for him. Although, perhaps, someone will be surprised by the fact that yellow lipid spots can be found in newborns in the aorta, which, however, do not affect health and disappear with time. But it is, digression.

As the baby develops and the further formation of his body, blood pressure rises and by the year of life the numbers 90-100 / 40-60 mm Hg will be normal. Art., and the child will reach the values ​​of an adult only by the age of 9-10. However, at this age, the pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Art. will be considered normal and will not surprise anyone. But in adolescents, the normal value of blood pressure is slightly higher than that established for adults 120/80. This is probably due to the hormonal surge characteristic of adolescence. To calculate normal blood pressure values ​​in children, pediatricians use special table which we present to our readers.

AgeNormal minimum systolic pressureNormal maximum systolic pressureNormal low diastolic pressureNormal maximum diastolic pressure
Up to 2 weeks 60 96 40 50
2-4 weeks 80 112 40 74
2-12 months 90 112 50 74
2-3 years 100 112 60 74
3-5 years 100 116 60 76
6-9 years old 100 122 60 78
10-12 years old 110 126 70 82
13-15 years old 110 136 70 86

BP problems in children and adolescents

Unfortunately, such a pathology as arterial hypertension is no exception for the child's body. The lability of blood pressure is most often manifested in adolescence, when the body is being restructured, but the puberty period is dangerous because a person at this time is not yet an adult, but is no longer a child. This age is also difficult for the person himself, because often it leads to pressure surges. instability of the nervous system teenager, and for his parents, and for the attending physician. However, pathological deviations should be noticed and leveled in time. This is the task of adults.

The causes of high blood pressure in children and adolescents can be:

As a result of these factors, vascular tone increases, the heart begins to work with a load, especially its left section. If urgent measures are not taken, a young person can meet his majority with a ready-made diagnosis: arterial hypertension or, at best, one type or another.

Measurement of pressure at home

We have been talking about blood pressure for quite some time, implying that all people know how to measure it. It seems nothing complicated, we put a cuff above the elbow, pump air into it, slowly release it and listen.

Everything is correct, but before moving on to the blood pressure of adults, I would like to dwell on the algorithm for measuring blood pressure, since patients often do it on their own and not always according to the method. As a result, inadequate results are obtained, and, accordingly, the unreasonable use of antihypertensive drugs. In addition, people, talking about upper and lower blood pressure, do not always understand what it all means.

For the correct measurement of blood pressure, it is very important in what conditions a person is. In order not to get "random numbers", pressure is measured in America, observing the following rules:

  1. A comfortable environment for a person whose pressure is of interest should be at least 5 minutes;
  2. Do not smoke or eat for half an hour before the manipulation;
  3. Visit the toilet so that the bladder is not full;
  4. Take into account tension, pain, feeling unwell, taking medication;
  5. Measure pressure twice on both hands in the prone position, sitting, standing.

Probably, each of us will not agree with this, except that such a measurement is suitable for the military registration and enlistment office or in strict stationary conditions. Nevertheless, it is necessary to strive to fulfill at least some points. For example, it would be nice to measure the pressure in calm environment , having comfortably laid or seated a person, take into account the influence of a “good” smoke break or just eaten hearty lunch. It should be remembered that the accepted antihypertensive might not yet have had its effect (little time has passed) and not grab the next pill, seeing a disappointing result.

A person, especially if he is not completely healthy, usually does not cope well with measuring pressure on himself (it costs a lot to put on a cuff!). It is better if one of the relatives or neighbors does it. Highly Seriously need treat and to the method of measuring blood pressure.

Video: measuring pressure with an electronic tonometer

Cuff, blood pressure monitor, phonendoscope… systole and diastole

The algorithm for determining blood pressure (N.S. Korotkov's auscultatory method, 1905) is very simple if everything is done correctly. The patient is comfortably seated (you can lie down) and the measurement begins:

  • Air is released from the cuff connected to the tonometer and the pear, squeezing it with the palms of your hands;
  • Wrap the cuff around the patient's arm above the elbow (tightly and evenly), trying to keep the rubber connecting tube on the side of the artery, otherwise you can get an incorrect result;
  • Choose a place to listen and install a phonendoscope;
  • Inflate the cuff;
  • The cuff, when air is injected, compresses the arteries due to its own pressure, which is 20-30 mm Hg. Art. above the pressure at which the sounds heard on the brachial artery with each pulse wave completely disappear;
  • Slowly releasing air from the cuff, listen to the sounds of the artery on the elbow bend;
  • The first sound heard by the phonendoscope is fixed with a glance on the scale of the tonometer. It will mean a breakthrough of a portion of blood through the clamped area, since the pressure in the artery slightly exceeded the pressure in the cuff. The impact of escaping blood against the wall of an artery is called in Korotkov's tone, top or systolic pressure;
  • The series of sounds, noises, tones following the systole is understandable to cardiologists, and ordinary people should catch the last sound, which is called diastolic or lower, it is also noted visually.

Thus, contracting, the heart pushes blood into the arteries (systole), creates pressure on them equal to the upper or systolic pressure. Blood begins to be distributed through the vessels, which leads to a decrease in pressure and relaxation of the heart (diastole). This is the last, lower, diastolic beat.

However, there are nuances…

Scientists have found that when measuring blood pressure by the traditional method, its values ​​are 10% different from the true ones (direct measurement in the artery during its puncture). Such an error is more than redeemed by the accessibility and simplicity of the procedure, moreover, as a rule, one measurement of blood pressure in the same patient is not enough, and this makes it possible to reduce the magnitude of the error.

In addition, patients do not differ in the same complexion. For example, in thin people, the determined values ​​​​are lower. And for full ones, on the contrary, it is higher than in reality. This difference can be leveled by a cuff with a width of more than 130 mm. However, there are not just fat people. Obesity of 3-4 degrees often makes it difficult to measure blood pressure on the arm. In such cases, the measurement is carried out on the leg, using a special cuff for this.

There are cases when, with the auscultatory method of measuring blood pressure, in the interval between the upper and lower blood pressure in the sound wave, there is a break (10-20 mm Hg or more), when there are no sounds above the artery (complete silence), but on the vessel itself there is a pulse. This phenomenon is called auscultatory "failure", which can occur in the upper or middle third of the pressure amplitude. Such a "failure" should not go unnoticed, because then a lower value of blood pressure (the lower limit of the auscultatory "failure") will be mistakenly taken as the value of systolic pressure. Sometimes this difference can even be 50 mm Hg. Art., which, of course, will greatly affect the interpretation of the result and, accordingly, the treatment, if any.

This error is highly undesirable and can be avoided. To do this, simultaneously with the injection of air into the cuff, the pulse on the radial artery should be monitored. It is necessary to increase the pressure in the cuff to values ​​\u200b\u200bthat sufficiently exceed the level of disappearance of the pulse.

The phenomenon of "infinite tone" well known to teenage, sports doctors and in military enlistment offices when examining recruits. The nature of this phenomenon is considered to be a hyperkinetic type of blood circulation and low vascular tone, the cause of which is emotional or physical stress. In this case, it is not possible to determine the diastolic pressure, it seems that it is simply equal to zero. However, after a few days, in a relaxed state of a young man, the measurement of the lower pressure does not present any difficulties.

Video: traditional pressure measurement

Blood pressure rises ... (hypertension)

The causes of high blood pressure in adults are not much different from those in children, but those who are over ... risk factors, of course, more:

  1. Of course, leading to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure;
  2. BP clearly correlates with being overweight;
  3. The level of glucose (diabetes mellitus) greatly affects the formation of arterial hypertension;
  4. Excess consumption of table salt;
  5. Life in the city, because it is known that the increase in pressure goes hand in hand with the acceleration of the pace of life;
  6. Alcohol. Strong tea and coffee become the cause only when they are consumed in excessive quantities;
  7. Oral contraceptives, which many women use to avoid unwanted pregnancies;
  8. By itself, smoking, perhaps, would not be among the causes of high blood pressure, but this bad habit affects the vessels too badly, especially peripheral ones;
  9. low physical activity;
  10. Professional activity associated with high psycho-emotional stress;
  11. Changes in atmospheric pressure, changes in weather conditions;
  12. Many other diseases, including surgical ones.

People suffering from arterial hypertension, as a rule, control their condition themselves, taking constantly drugs to lower blood pressure, prescribed by a doctor in individually selected dosages. It could be, or. Given the good awareness of patients about their illness, it makes no sense to dwell on arterial hypertension, its manifestations and treatment.

However, everything once begins, and with hypertension. It is necessary to determine whether this is a one-time increase in blood pressure caused by objective reasons (stress, drinking alcohol in inadequate doses, certain drugs), or there has been a tendency to increase it on an ongoing basis, for example, blood pressure rises in the evening, after a hard day.

It is clear that the nightly rise in blood pressure indicates that during the day a person carries an excessive load for himself, so he must analyze the day, find the cause and begin treatment (or prevention). Even more in such cases, the presence of hypertension in the family should alert, since it is known that this disease has a hereditary predisposition.

If high blood pressure is detected repeatedly, even if in numbers 135/90 mm Hg. Art., it is advisable to start taking measures so that it does not become high. It is not necessary to immediately resort to medications, you can first try to regulate blood pressure by observing the regime of work, rest and nutrition.

A special role in this regard belongs, of course, to diet. Giving preference to products that lower blood pressure, you can do without pharmaceuticals for a long time, or even avoid taking them altogether, if you do not forget about folk recipes containing medicinal herbs.

By compiling a menu of such affordable products as garlic, white and Brussels sprouts, beans and peas, milk, baked potatoes, salmon fish, spinach, you can eat well and not feel hungry. And bananas, kiwi, orange, pomegranate can wonderfully replace any dessert and at the same time normalize blood pressure.

Video: hypertension in the program “Live healthy!”

Blood pressure is low… (hypotension)

Although low blood pressure is not fraught with such formidable complications as high blood pressure, it is uncomfortable for a person to live with him. Usually, such patients have a fairly common diagnosis today of vegetative-vascular (neurocirculatory) dystonia of the hypotonic type, when, at the slightest sign of unfavorable conditions, blood pressure decreases, which is accompanied by pallor of the skin, dizziness, nausea, general weakness and malaise. Patients are thrown into a cold sweat, fainting may occur.

There are a great many reasons for this, the treatment of such people is very difficult and lengthy, besides, there are no drugs for permanent use, except that patients often drink freshly brewed green tea, coffee and occasionally take Eleutherococcus tincture, ginseng and pantocrine tablets. Again, the regimen helps to normalize blood pressure in such patients, and especially sleep, which requires at least 10 hours. Nutrition should be high enough in calories, because low blood pressure requires glucose. Green tea has a beneficial effect on blood vessels in case of hypotension, increasing pressure somewhat and thereby bringing a person to life, which is especially noticeable in the morning. A cup of coffee also helps, but be aware of the addictive property of the drink., that is, imperceptibly you can "get hooked" on it.

The complex of recreational activities for low blood pressure includes:

  1. Healthy lifestyle (active rest, sufficient exposure to fresh air);
  2. High physical activity, sports;
  3. Water procedures (aroma baths, hydromassage, swimming pool);
  4. Spa treatment;
  5. Diet;
  6. Elimination of provoking factors.

Help yourself!

If problems with blood pressure have begun, then you should not passively wait for the doctor to come and cure everything. The success of prevention and treatment largely depends on the patient himself. Of course, if you happen to end up in a hospital with a hypertensive crisis, then they will prescribe a blood pressure profile and pick up pills. But, when a patient comes to an outpatient appointment with complaints of an increased increase in pressure, then a lot will have to be taken on. For example, it is difficult to trace the dynamics of blood pressure from the words, therefore The patient is asked to keep a diary(at the stage of observation for the selection of antihypertensive drugs - a week, during a period of long-term use of drugs - 2 weeks 4 times a year, that is, every 3 months).

The diary can be an ordinary school notebook, divided into graphs for convenience. It should be remembered that the measurement of the first day, although performed, is not taken into account. In the morning (6-8 hours, but always before taking medication) and in the evening (18-21 hours), 2 measurements should be taken. Of course, it will be better if the patient is so careful that he measures the pressure every 12 hours at the same time.

  • Rest for 5 minutes, and if there was emotional or physical stress, then 15-20 minutes;
  • An hour before the procedure, do not drink strong tea and coffee, do not think about alcoholic beverages, do not smoke for half an hour (endure!);
  • Do not comment on the actions of the measuring person, do not discuss the news, remember that there should be silence when measuring blood pressure;
  • Sit comfortably with your hand on a hard surface.
  • Carefully enter the values ​​​​of blood pressure in a notebook, so that later you can show your notes to the attending physician.

You can talk about blood pressure for a long time and a lot, patients are very fond of doing this, sitting under the doctor's office, but you can argue, but you should not take advice and recommendations into service, because everyone has their own cause of arterial hypertension, their concomitant diseases and their medicine. For some patients, blood pressure lowering drugs are taken for more than one day, so it is better to trust one person - a doctor.

Video: blood pressure in the program “Live Healthy!”

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