What exactly is blood pressure?

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Sofie1990
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Blood Pressure
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on blood pressure readings, specifically addressing what constitutes low blood pressure and its implications. A blood pressure reading of 106 over 66 is considered low but not unhealthy, as it does not fall below the threshold of 90/60, which defines hypotension. The conversation also highlights that variations in blood pressure readings are normal and can indicate good cardiovascular health, particularly in fit individuals. Additionally, a resting heart rate of 78 beats per minute is within the normal range.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of blood pressure terminology, including systolic and diastolic pressure.
  • Knowledge of normal blood pressure ranges (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
  • Familiarity with the concept of hypotension (blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg).
  • Basic awareness of heart rate norms (e.g., resting heart rate between 60-100 bpm).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physiological factors affecting blood pressure variations.
  • Learn about the health implications of hypotension and its symptoms.
  • Explore cardiovascular health indicators for athletes and active individuals.
  • Investigate the relationship between heart rate and overall fitness levels.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in understanding cardiovascular health, including patients monitoring their blood pressure, fitness enthusiasts, and healthcare professionals seeking to clarify misconceptions about blood pressure readings.

Sofie1990
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
I have just been to the doctors and had my blood pressure taken. My blood pressure was 106 over 66 and the time before it was 98 over 72. The doctor said it was low, but what exactly does low blood pressure mean? and why does it keep changing?
Also how many times is your heart suppose to beat in a minute, mine was 78. is that normal?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
oh come off it, Sofie, there's obviously nothing to worry about, or your doctor would have said so! :rolleyes:

different people have different blood pressure, and it changes a little every time it's taken

(if your doctor had measured you on his fantastically accurate height machine :-p, and had told you that you were of lower than average height, would that worry you?)

stop trawling the internet, and go out and enjoy the sunshine! :smile:
 


Sofie1990 said:
I have just been to the doctors and had my blood pressure taken. My blood pressure was 106 over 66 and the time before it was 98 over 72. The doctor said it was low, but what exactly does low blood pressure mean? and why does it keep changing?
Also how many times is your heart suppose to beat in a minute, mine was 78. is that normal?
Your blood pressure is a bit low, but it is not low enough to be considered "low blood pressure". Yours is not in an unhealthy range, it could actually mean that you are very fit.

What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure (less than 90/60) with no symptoms.

A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure is usually in the range of 120/80 (systolic/diastolic). In healthy people, especially athletes, low blood pressure is a sign of good cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) health.

http://www.webmd.com/heart/understanding-low-blood-pressure-basics
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
6K