Let’s look at a blood pressure reading of 120/70. The first number (120) is called the systolic pressure and is the pressure developed when the heart pumps blood into the circulatory system (the aorta and then other arteries). The second number (70) is called the diastolic pressure and is the pressure developed when the heart is relaxing (a term called ventricular diastole or filling of the heart with blood). When thinking about blood pressure and blood flow, imagine a flowing river. Blood pressure forces the blood thru the arteries to the muscles and organs so they can function. Normal blood pressure allows the blood to flow thru normally however with high blood pressure, the river turns into a turbulent fast flowing river, which can cause damage to the arteries causing health problems.
But why is it such a problem? High blood pressure is a massive problem in developed countries due to poor diet and lack of regular physical activity. High blood pressure or hypertension, is linked to many diseases such as coronary artery disease and cardiovascular diseases, meaning that high blood pressure may be an indication of an increased risk of developing one of these or many other diseases.
There are many treatments of high blood pressure such as drugs (beta blockers etc.) but a non-chemical easy solution is PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Physical activity levels of just 30mins per day can minimize high blood pressure & the effects of high blood pressure but also improve health and wellbeing
