Questions have been raised about whether high or low blood pressure (BP) readings are more dangerous. This question has been debated for many years.
Some older people believe that high pressure is the root of all evil regarding heart health and heart diseases. Others think low pressure can be just as harmful, if not more so.
So, which is it? Which type of pressure has more negative effects on a person’s health conditions? Which of them may cause cardiovascular diseases or may be life-threatening?
Let’s examine the facts and determine which type is more dangerous.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood Running Through Our Bodies
Before discussing high and low pressures, let’s first learn about this critical pressure essential to our lives.
Everyone knows that blood flows through the blood vessels in our bodies. Many people think that blood is the fuel for our bodies. It is a misconception. Food and nutrients are the fuel that our bodies need to get going every day.
That said, it doesn’t diminish the vitality of blood. Blood circulation is the highway through which these nutrients and oxygen reach all other parts of the body.
So, how does pressure fit into all this? Pressure is the force of the heart that pumps blood throughout the body.
Measuring This Pressure
When a doctor takes pressure, two numbers are taken into account. These are systolic and diastolic pressure.
Systolic is the top number of heartbeats at which the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Diastolic is the period of rest between pumping. Readings come as systolic over diastolic pressure and are usually measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
The normal range for pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80 mmHg. Higher pressures have readings at 140/90 mmHg and above, while lower pressures have readings lower than 90/60 mmHg.
Now that we understand a little more, it is time to look at the effects of hitting both the high and low ends of the spectrum.
High Blood Pressure
The Facts
High pressure, commonly known as hypertension, occurs when the blood’s force is very high, pushing it against the artery’s walls.
Is high blood pressure insufficient? In truth, high pressure is a silent killer and may lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease if left untreated. People can have high pressure for years without showing any symptoms. However, without the proper care, this can lead to severe complications.
Fortunately, high blood pressure levels are easily detected. The trick here is what one does with this information.
While easily detectable, a recent study on high blood pressure showed that the number of patients afflicted with these conditions has doubled in the past three decades. Currently, at least 1.2 billion individuals have hypertension. Treatments include medicines that lower blood pressure, such as a beta blocker that reduces heart rate and blood output.
The Causes
Medical Conditions and Aging
There are two types of hypertension, namely primary and secondary.
Primary hypertension does not seem to have a direct cause. Instead, it gradually develops as people age. That is why measuring BP more regularly as one ages is essential.
On the other hand, secondary hypertension has many associated causes. The causes are usually underlying medical conditions that affect blood pressure. Some examples of the varied causes are kidney diseases, diabetes, and adrenaline gland and thyroid problems.
Medication and Drugs
At the same time, certain medications we take can also significantly raise our pressure. These include birth control pills, pills for pain relief, and even medicine for colds.
Finally, using illegal drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine can also negatively impact the pressure on people’s blood.
Risk Factors
Apart from these causes, though, several risk factors can increase the chances of hypertension. These include a person’s age, smoking tobacco, lack of physical activity, too much salt, being overweight, stress, and genetics.
The causes of hypertension are varied and numerous. While it may seem like hypertension is there no matter where you turn, it is controllable, and it all starts with understanding everything that can cause it.
The Effects
As mentioned previously, hypertension can cause chest pain, heart attack, or stroke due to the thickening of the arteries. The thicker arteries mean that blood needs to be pumped harder. It can lead to heart failure if it fails to pump hard enough.
Besides heart problems, hypertension can also affect a person’s brain. It can lead to an aneurysm, and if it ruptures, it could prove fatal to the person.
The weakened flow to the brain can also bring about a type of dementia called vascular dementia. It significantly affects a person’s memory and reasoning, among other things.
These are only a few effects that hypertension brings. Others include organ failure, blindness, and metabolic syndrome.
Low Blood Pressure
The Facts
Low blood pressure is called hypotension on the other end of the spectrum. When hypertension and hypotension are compared, the former is always given more weight. That said, it is essential to note that hypotension similarly brings various problems and complications.
Furthermore, discoveries are being made each day. For instance, research recently found links between hypotension and suicidal thoughts.
The Causes
Medical Conditions and Life Choices
Just like hypertension, many factors contribute to hypotension. These could be as mundane as body position and as serious as an underlying cause or severe allergic reaction. Certain medications such as diuretics or health concerns such as adrenal insufficiency may also be a cause.
Things, like how long a person stands or suddenly standing from a seated or lying position, can cause pressure to drop. Also included are a person’s diet, stress, and even the time of day. Medications such as antidepressants and those for Parkinson’s are just a couple that contribute to hypotension.
Conditions and Vitamins
Pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy and heart conditions can also cause symptoms of low blood pressure. One widespread condition is not having enough fluids in the body.
Another is not having the right vitamins in the body, such as iron and B-12. These vitamins and nutrients ensure that the body is creating enough blood cells.
The Effects
The most common side effects of hypotension include lightheadedness, being dizzy, feeling weak, and fainting. This is the reason why hypertension seems to be taken more seriously.
While initially not as severe as the effects of hypertension, it needs to be considered. If a person faints while walking or when driving, it could cause serious injuries or even death. So, they should avoid standing for long periods.
It must be stated that if left unchecked and not maintained well, hypotension could result in complications in the heart and brain.
The Verdict
On paper, hypertension or high pressure takes the cake. However, high and low blood pressure must be treated seriously since it affects everyone as they age.
Caution is always the best approach to living a long and healthy lifestyle through blood pressure monitoring and regularly checking your cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy food, getting the correct health information, minimising salt intake, and avoiding stress, can help achieve normal blood pressure.
If you or a loved one start to experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult a healthcare professional in Australia immediately.
At the same time, having a first aid certificate and being trained in first aid will allow you to provide assistance and care if needed.
Today, learn more about these relevant life-saving practices by taking CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course.