Blood Pressure--What Does It Mean?

The definition of blood pressure is the rate that blood flows through the arteries, which is also can involve heart health. Blood pressure when above the normal range must be monitored closely, a diet without sodium, fats and other things need to be removed from the diet as they can help to raise the blood pressure. High blood pressure when not controlled can damage the cells lining the walls of the arteries and this can result in an accumulation of plaque that is formed in the arteries from cholesterol and lipids.

The builtup plaque then obstructs blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, this causes an increase in the amount of pumping the heart will need to do to meet the demands of the body. This can cause coronary artery disease, angina and heart attacks. There can be symptoms caused by these conditions such as leg pain, due to peripheral artery disease from plaque that is formed in the arteries that go to the lower extremities. The plaque buildup can affect the normal function of the kidneys, which can cause an accumulation of toxins.

One of the other types of plaque that can accumulate in the body due to high blood pressure is atherosderotic plaque, which forms in the arteries going to the brain. This can cause a stroke, which can be debilitating or deadly.

Low blood pressure on the other hand can cause problems such as dizziness, breathing problems and fainting. This is a condition that should also be monitored and one that can be relatively dangerous for people that drive, use electrical powered equipment or tools and can affect the heart or brain.