[Nursing School meets Steemit][Things that affect your Blood Pressure]Follow along and educate yourself with me.

intrepidthinker (69)in #nursing • 7 years ago (edited)

The Various Factors Affecting Blood Pressure:

Age -

With age, elasticity in arteries decreases; this increases peripheral resistance, leading to higher blood pressure.

The older you get, the higher your normal blood pressure is expected to be.

Gender -

Blood pressure is usually lower in women than in men until menopause.

Race -

Hypertension is more prevalent in African American men and women.

Bet ya didn't know that. Lol

Medications -

Oral contraceptives cause an increase in blood pressure in some women.

Weight -

Blood pressure is usually higher in people who are obese.

Circadian Rhythm -

Blood pressure usually is lower in the morning and slightly higher by late afternoon.

Head injury -

Increased intracranial pressure from head injury causes increased blood pressure.

Increased blood volume -

Increased fluid in the cardiovascular system increases blood pressure.

That's why, say if someone comes into the ER and their blood pressure is low, you treat that symptom by starting an IV and hanging a bag of fluids(Normal Saline) to increase their blood pressure.

Food intake -

Blood pressure increases after eating.

Did you know that a ton of heart attacks happen around Thanksgiving? Or other holidays where a increase of food intake is expected. An already weakened or over-taxed heart can't take the strain of holiday food consumption. Lol That's why you always see that portrayed in movies; the grandfather crocking at the dining room table.

Emotions -

Anger, fear, and excitement cause blood pressure to rise until the emotion passes.

Pain -

Pain increase blood pressure.

Acute(sudden onset) pain increases blood pressure, but chronic(long lasting) pain decreases blood pressure.

Source

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