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The heart is the pumping organ that is used to transport blood around the human body. Blood is the main method used to transport nutrition, oxygen and even wastes around the body. Blood provides nourishment to the body. Blood is also essential when fighting illnesses as it contains many immune related components. The heart beats regularly throughout the day.
The pressure with which the blood flows in the body is based on the pressure with which the heart is pumping. Another important factor in blood pressure regulation is the dilation of the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are constricted, there will be an increase in blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured based on the systolic and diastolic movements of the heart. These are measurements taken when the heart beats and then when the heart is at rest between beats. The resulting blood pressure reading is therefore written as systolic upon diastolic. The normal range for blood pressure is considered to be 120 mm/hg by 80 mm/hg. This is the normal average for human beings. However, some individuals may have a naturally lower or higher blood pressure but these levels vary only slightly from the normal values. All blood pressure measurements are made when the individual is at rest. It is often necessary to calm the individual down if there is a state of panic for some reason or the other. Blood pressure measurements may be taken under exercise as well but these are usually done for specific medical conditions. In all other situations, blood pressure is measured when the individual is at rest and has been resting for a few minutes at least.
High blood pressure is known as hypertension. Poor eating habits are often blamed when an individual suffers from blood pressure problems. High blood pressure is also linked to stress levels. There is also a genetic component associated with high blood pressure. When dealing with high blood pressure one must follow a high blood pressure diet. Sodium is one component that has been linked to high blood pressure. The consumption of sodium is known to raise the blood pressure in the body. An individual on a high blood pressure diet must therefore avoid sodium as much as possible. Salt is the primary source of sodium in the body. Salt content in the diet should therefore be reduced so that the individual’s blood pressure is not made to rise further than it already is. Certain curries and sauces have high sodium content and these must be avoided. Meats, particularly red meat, is known to affect high blood pressure sufferers adversely and must be avoided, particularly if the individual has an extremely high blood pressure. Certain snacks and cereals are good sources for sodium. These should be avoided by consulting the nutritional information that is printed on the packaging of the food. Sodium levels are always printed and the individual should stick to foods that have a low level of sodium. Ready to eat foods should also be checked before they are consumed.
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