Blood Pressure

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(ii)     Orthostatic Hypotension – This is a severe type of low BP problem which is observed in some people, including children, who may fall in the process of standing up. It is more common in people who are perpetually anxious.

Precautions Against Low Blood Pressure

36.     Low blood pressure condition commonly occurs in the summer seasons and the following precautions would prove beneficial to normalize low BP if there are no worrying symptoms or complications:

(i)      Consume a Little More Salt – While people with high BP may need to restrict salt intake, people with low BP may benefit by incorporating a little more salt in their diet, especially in hot weather.

(ii)     Wear Compression Stockings – In some cases diabetic compression stockings are recommended for patients suffering from diabetes. This prevents the cooling of blood in the calf muscles and helps stimulate circulation and pump blood towards the heart and brain.

(iii)    Sleeping with Pillows – You could also try sleeping with several pillows below the head to aid blood circulation.

(iv)    Do Regular Exercise – Exercising regularly and drinking lot of water are absolute musts for low BP persons.

CAUSES OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

Introduction

37.     The three important clinical factors that may raise blood pressure are increased cardiac output, an increase in the viscosity of the blood and increased peripheral resistance. In most case of hypertension, peripheral resistance due to narrowing of the blood vessels, chiefly in small arteries (arterioles), is the primary cause.

38.     High BP appears to result from the interplay of genetics (inherited) and primarily lifestyle factors. Medical profession attributes high BP and other lifestyle diseases to the fact that today’s generation is subjecting itself to the cumulative trauma of work and home stress, irregular and wrong eating and sleeping habits, smoking, intake of intoxicants and lack of recreation, relaxation and physical activities/exercise. There is a tendency in all societies to consume large quantities of fat and salt and minimal fibre in processed and refined foods, devoid of essential nutrients. Plus, the Indians are genetically predisposed to coronary risk factors. Add to this the north Indian calorie-rich diet of pranthas dripping with desi ghee or butter. Today’s generation also loves

the cheese-dripping junk food and we have in hand a “fatal cocktail” of all the risk ingredients in place just waiting to let in the “silent killer” – high blood pressure!