Blood pressure

Question 1

Define: blood pressure

Answer 1

force exerted by the heart on the blood pressure walls

Question 2

Define: systolic pressure

Answer 2

pressure as the heart contracts and expels blood

Question 3

Define: diastolic pressure

Answer 3

: pressure as the heart relaxes and fills with blood

Question 4

how is bp measured?

Answer 4

using a sphygmomanometer (instrument with a column of mercury that indicates the level of blood pressure). Measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and reported using systolic over diastolic.

Question 5

normal bp reading?

Answer 5

120/80. 160/120 is high

Question 6

What varies blood pressure?

Answer 6

Physical activity and stress

Question 7

Define: hypertension

Answer 7

permanently high blood pressure

Question 8

What happens when you ahve hypertension?

Answer 8

Blood doesn’t flow through blood vessels as easily, meaning heart and kidneys (which regulate blood pressure and filter blood) must work harder. This can lead to kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Question 9

does hypertension have symptoms?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

How can hypertension be monitored and measured?

Answer 10

regular check ups, and managed by medication and lifestyle changes

Question 11

what is hypertension caused by?

Answer 11

•	Atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries means strain on heart) 
•	Obesity
o	Lack of physical activity 
o	Excess alcohol consumption
•	Poor diet (esp. excess sodium)
•	Low birth weight 
•	Genetic predisposition
•	Stress 
•	Smoking