What is blood pressure?
The force at which blood circulates and its resistance because of veins and arteries is called blood pressure. This pressure is noted in two measurements: systolic and diastolic. When the heartbeat and the blood pressure are at their highest, then Systolic measurement is done. Whereas when the heartbeat and the blood pressure are at their lowest, Diastolic is measured. While recording, first the systolic measurement and then the diastolic measurements are noted. Based on the difference of these measurements, High blood pressure and low blood pressure conditions are deduced. In medical terms, Hypertension is high blood pressure, and Hypotension means low blood pressure which differentiates below as the Difference between Hypertension and Hypotension.
Difference between Hypertension and Hypotension
Hypertension: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a severe condition divided into three American Heart Association stages.
- Stage1: Systolic is between 130-139 or Diastolic is between 80-89
- Stage2: Systolic: 140 or higher and Diastolic: 90 or higher
- Hypertensive crisis: Systolic is above 180, or Diastolic is above 120.
An individual with Hypertension or high blood pressure tends to be at the highest risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failures.
Causes of Hypertension: Though many medical practitioners are trying to know Hypertension’s causes, there are still some factors that they would associate with this condition too. They are:
- Obesity
- High salt intake
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Stress
- Aging
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Hypertension: Usually, high blood pressure or hypertension condition does not throw any alerts because it is also known as a silent killer. Individuals suffering from Hypertension have symptoms like:
- Sweating
- Sleeping problems
- Anxiety
Patients with a Hypertensive crisis may also show symptoms like headaches and nose bleeding.
Hypotension: A condition where the blood pressure measurements are low, with a systolic value of 90 and a diastolic value of 60, is called Hypotension or Low blood pressure. And, if this pressure is within limits, it is considered acceptable. Unlike Hypertension, one needs not to worry much about Hypotension as they cause dizziness or tiredness, nothing adverse.
Hypotension Causes: Although low blood pressure is considered a typical scenario, certain factors may extend the situation. Such as:
- Weakness due to dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Infections in the bloodstream
- Diabetes
- Thyroid
- Blood loss due to injury, and more
Symptoms of Hypotension: Unlike Hypertension, Hypotension or low blood pressure symptoms are quite evident, which includes:
- Unsteadiness
- Lack of concentration
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Rapid and low breathing
Right from the definitions, conditions, symptoms, there are many differences between Hypertension and Hypotension until the treatments. One must carefully analyze how the body reacts, look for the signs, and consult a medical practitioner for hypertension and hypotension treatments.