Tag Archives: pulse rate

Low blood pressure

Leave a reply

Causes and risk factors

Across Europe, doctors have very different opinions about low blood pressure, or hypotension.

In the UK, it’s usually considered to be unimportant, unless caused by blood loss, trauma, severe infection or toxic shock. But in countries such as Germany and France, many people take regular medication for low blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood against the walls of the main arteries. Blood pumping through arteries at a high rate is called systolic pressure, and a low rate is called diastolic. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as the systolic figure followed by the diastolic.

blood pressure

blood pressure

What is a normal level?

Normal blood pressure in a healthy young adult is about 110/70, but some people are quite healthy and happy with a blood pressure as low as 90/60. These people also often have a slightly slower pulse rate than normal (less than 70). Top-class athletes often have low blood pressure and a slow pulse, so some doctors believe low blood pressure is a sign you’re particularly healthy.

Symptoms

But some research has linked low blood pressure to certain symptoms such as feeling tired, lethargic and mildly depressed. Also, if blood pressure is low enough to affect the blood supply to the brain, it can cause dizziness and fainting, especially if you stand up suddenly.


This particular type of low blood pressure, which only occurs on standing up, is known as postural hypotension. It may be harmful because of the risk of fainting and hurting yourself. It’s also linked to conditions such as diabetes, where nerve damage has affected the normal control of blood pressure, and can also occur when taking certain medicines.

There’s no known link between low blood pressure and having problems conceiving.

Treatment and recovery

If you feel well, most doctors (in the UK at least) would say you don’t need treatment. Taking medicines during pregnancy can harm the foetus, so it’s important to avoid medical treatments if possible.

There’s just one thing you might want to check. If you’re dehydrated or not well, your blood pressure may be low or fall easily when you stand. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids – that’s several glasses a day in a cool climate and more in a hot climate.

Pomegranate juice may relieve stress

Leave a reply

Pomegranate juice could help beat stress at the office, research claims.

It has been shown to lower workers’ heart rates and make them feel more enthusiastic about their jobs.

Scientists studied a group of volunteers who drank 500ml of the juice every day for two weeks.

At the beginning and end of the study their pulse rate was measured and they filled in a questionnaire describing their mood and feelings about their job.

The research – funded by the Pomegreat juice company – showed almost all of the workers reported being more enthusiastic, inspired, proud and active.

They were less likely to describe their feelings as distressed, nervous, guilty and ashamed compared with the beginning of the fortnight and most had lower pulse rates.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Experts claim increasing numbers of Britons are affected by work-related pressures.

Figures from the charity Mind show around a fifth of employees called in sick at some point last year as they were stressed.

Lead researcher Dr Emad Al-Dujaili, of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, said: ‘On the basis of these findings there is a justified argument for busy workers to drink pomegranate juice to help alleviate chronic stress and maintain good health.

‘There is growing evidence that pomegranate juice delivers wide-ranging health benefits that merit further research.


‘It is very rare indeed for an all-natural juice to offer the range of health benefits that we are seeing in pomegranate juice.’

Last year the same researchers claimed that pomegranate juice could help to combat middle-aged spread.

After just one month, volunteers who drank a bottle of pomegranate juice every day were found to be less likely to develop fatty cells around their abdomen.

They also had lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.

Scientists also claim pomegranate juice can help to fight cancer, heart disease and the aging process.

It is high in antioxidants, chemicals which help neutralise harmful oxygen molecules – called free radicals.