Blood Pressure Symptoms (Hypertension): Causes, Readings, Ranges

What is Blood Pressure?

The force that blood movement produces on blood vessel walls is known as blood pressure (BP). The heart's action of pumping blood through the circulatory system is primarily responsible for this pressure. The pressure in the major arteries is meant when the word "blood pressure" is used without the qualifier. Some basic points about blood pressure are discussed below:

• Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury and is recorded with two numbers that are systolic and diastolic.

• Normal blood pressure is generally considered around 120/80 mmHg.

• The reading above 120/80 mmHg is considered high blood pressure or hypertension while the reading below 90/60 mmHg is considered low blood pressure or hypertension.

• Blood pressure can be influenced by several factors such as age, weight, diet, physical activities, stress level and also some of the health conditions depending upon the lifestyle.

• Blood pressure has severe health issues like heart stroke and kidney damage therefore it needs regular monitoring and management which is essential for maintaining heart health.

Important Facts About Blood Pressure

Some important facts about blood pressure are discussed below:

• The chance of developing heart, brain, kidney, and other disorders is markedly increased by hypertension, often known as raised blood pressure.

• Worldwide, 1.28 billion persons between the ages of 30 and 79 are projected to have hypertension, with the majority (two-thirds) residing in low- and middle-income nations.

• Adults with hypertension are reportedly 46% less likely to be aware of their condition.

• Adults with hypertension are only diagnosed and treated in 42% of cases.

• Twenty-one per cent of persons who have hypertension have it under control.

• Around the world, hypertension is a key factor in premature death.

• One of the global goals for non-communicable illnesses is a 33% decrease in the prevalence of hypertension between 2010 and 2030.

Types of Blood Pressure

Two basic types of blood pressure are discussed below in the table:

Symptoms of Blood Pressure

Symptoms depend on whether the blood pressure is high or low. Different conditions show different symptoms, such as:

Hypotension Symptoms

• Dizziness and fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain

• Blurred vision

• Cold skin because of poor blood circulation

• Fatigue and weakness

Hypertension Symptoms

It is often called a silent killer because it may not show symptoms initially.

• Severe headache caused by excess pressure in blood vessels.

• Shortness of breath due to stress on the heart and lungs.

• Chest pain

• Irregular heartbeat

General Symptoms

• Lightheadedness

• Rapid heartbeat felt in both conditions.

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating due insufficient oxygen supply to the brain

• Vision disturbances

Factors Affecting Blood Pressure

There are several factors that influence blood pressure.

Smoking: Nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, which leads to high blood pressure.

Overweight: Excess body weight puts strain on the heart, making it pump harder, which raises blood pressure.

Too much salt in the diet: Excess sodium leads to water retention, which ultimately raises blood pressure.

Too much alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking damages the heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease.

Older age: As people age, arteries naturally lose elasticity, which increases blood pressure levels.

Genetics: A family history of hypertension makes individuals more susceptible.

How to Prevent or Manage High Blood Pressure?

Making small lifestyle modifications can help many people manage blood pressure into a healthy range or maintain them there. Blood pressure can be maintained by:

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol

• Maintaining a balanced diet and abstaining from sodium (salt)

• Regular physical activity

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Controlling stress

Blood Pressure NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Different types of questions about the blood pressure symptoms in NEET exam:

• Mechanism of blood pressure regulation (role of the heart and blood vessels).

• Effects of high blood pressure on the cardiovascular system.

• Interpretation of blood pressure readings (normal, elevated, hypertension).

• Conditions associated with abnormal blood pressure levels (e.g., arrhythmias, heart disease).

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. The blood pressure is high in

1. Arteries

2. Veins

3. Capillaries

4. Veins of the portal system

Correct answer: 1) Arteries

Explanation:

Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of arteries. Hence it is regarded as Arterial blood pressure It is recorded as Systolic Blood Pressure or SBP (maximum pressure during contraction of the heart) over Diastolic Blood Pressure or DBP (minimum pressure during diastole). It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Normal BP is 120/80 mmHg.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Arteries.

Q2. Why is systolic pressure higher than diastolic pressure?

1. Systolic pressure is elevated due to a greater volume of blood present in the heart during systole.

2. Systolic pressure is increased because of arterial contraction during this phase.

3. Systolic pressure rises as blood vessels offer resistance to the flow of blood specifically during systole.

4. Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.

Correct answer: 4) Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.

Explanation:

Systolic pressure is higher because the heart forcefully pumps blood into the arteries during contraction. Diastolic pressure is lower as the heart relaxes and refills with blood. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure reflects the pulsatile nature of blood flow during the cardiac cycle.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Systolic pressure is elevated as blood is forcefully pushed into the arteries during systole.

Q3. In the context of the concept of high blood pressure, which of the following combinations of centers are responsible for regulating heartbeat and circulation?

1. Centers for Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction

2. Centers for Cardiac Stimulation and Vasoconstriction

3. Centers for Cardiac Inhibition and Vasoconstriction

4. Centers for Cardiac Inhibition and Vasodilation

Correct answer: 4) Centers for Cardiac Inhibition and Vasodilation

Explanation:

During high blood pressure, the body regulates heartbeat and circulation by activating the cardio-inhibitory centers and vasodilator centers. The cardio-inhibitory centers reduce heart rate and force of contraction, lowering blood pressure. The vasodilator centers relax blood vessel walls, resulting in dilation and decreased resistance, further lowering blood pressure. This activation aims to restore blood pressure to a normal range.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4)Centers for Cardiac Inhibition and Vasodilation.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Regulation of Cardiac Activity

• Cardiac Output

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)