Question

1) When learning about blood vessels and circulation it is also important to understand blood pressure. What exactly is blood pressure and how is it measured? How do you know if someone has low, normal, or high blood pressure, and are there any risks associated with high or low?

2) Pulse is defined as the throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them. But what else is important for us to know about a pulse? Why do we even measure pulse? What is the typical measurement to expect? And where are the areas where it should be measured?

3)There are 3 different types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries. Can you describe the main differences between each one?

Answer 1

1. Blood pressure:

• It is the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of veins and arteries.
• The measurement of a person's blood pressure will be carried out by an instrument known as "Sphygmomanometer" and is expressed as 'systolic blood pressure' (measured after heart contracts) and 'diastolic blood pressure' (measured before heart contracts) readings. The systolic pressure readings will be highest and diastolic readings will be lowest.
• Blood pressure varies with the heartbeat cycle and according to a person's age, health and physical condition. We can know whether a person's blood pressure is low, normal or high by the readings of systolic and diastolic pressures. If the readings range from 120-129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic, it indicates "high blood pressure". If the readings range from less than 90 mm Hg systolic and 60 mm Hg diastolic, it indicates "low blood pressure". The normal healthy blood pressure should be 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic.
• If your blood pressure is high, it indicates "hypertension". It causes problems like severe headache, vision problems, chest pain etc., Similarly, if your blood pressure is low, it indicates "hypotension". It causes problems like dizziness, weakness etc., So, one should maintain normal blood pressure.

2. PULSE:

• Pulse defines the pumping speed of heart. To maintain good health and well-being, pulse should be considered as an important measure. Pulse rate indicates the pumping pressure of heart. As the pulse rate increases, the heart pumps faster.
• We do measure our pulse rate to know how well our heart is working. It also helps us in finding out about the pumping of blood to our body.
• We can measure pulse with an instrument known as "pulse oximeter". It gives readings as "beats per minute". The normal adult pulse rate will be 60-100 beats per minute and newborn pulse rate will be 100-175 beats per minute. Pulse can be measured on any area in which artery can be compressed. It can be measured at wrist, neck or near the ankle joint.

3. Differences between arteries, veins and capillaries:

ARTERIES	VEINS	CAPILLARIES
Carries blood away from heart	Carries blood towards heart	Carries blood away from body
Blood pressure will be high	Blood pressure will be low	Blood pressure will be falling
Semi lunar valves are absent	Semi lunar valves are present	Semi lunar valves are absent

Thank you!