Health

Blood pressure, or blood pressure, reflects the pressure exerted by the blood in the arteries. It is defined by 2 measurements: a maximum pressure and a minimum pressure corresponding to the contraction and relaxation of the heart.

MAXIMUM PRESSURE DURING CONTRACTION OF THE HEART

The heart is a muscle acting as a pump. When it contracts, the blood it contains is powerfully expelled into the arteries. The blood pressure is then maximum. The contraction being called systole, this maximum pressure is called systolic pressure.

MINIMUM PRESSURE DURING RELAXATION

When the heart relaxes, the pressure decreases to a minimum. This phase of the heartbeat being called diastole, we speak at this moment of diastolic pressure.

PRESSURE CHANGES ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE BODY

During physical effort for example, the muscles need more energy and oxygen. Since these elements are transported by the blood, the heart increases its work (ejection force and contraction rate) to increase their supply. Blood pressure will therefore increase during exercise, then decrease when it stops.

14-9: THE LIMIT NOT TO BE CROSSED *

At rest, blood pressure must be stable and not exceed 14 (systolic pressure) and 9 (diastolic pressure).
If one of these two values ​​is exceeded at rest, we speak of high blood pressure.
This constant excess pressure gradually damages the heart and arteries. It is above all a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure increases during exercise and decreases at rest. If it is too high (more than 14-9), there is hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
* In the case of diabetes or kidney disease, these figures must be revised downwards.