Question

How does body position affect blood pressure?

Answer 1

The force of our blood, pushing the walls of our arteries is known as Blood Pressure. Each time when our heart beats, blood is pumped inside of our heart. This reading differs when a person is standing, sitting or lying down. The reading measured by the instrument is known as “Systolic Pressure”.

Complete answer:
• The measurement of blood pressure is done by two numbers- Systolic Pressure and Diastolic Pressure.
• Systolic pressure (the first number) - tells about the pressure, blood is exerting on the walls of artery when the heart beats, while Diastolic pressure (the second number) is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of artery when the heart rests.
• Usually more importance is given to the first number, that is, the systolic pressure as in age
• more than fifty; the cardiovascular diseases are affected due the stiffening of artery walls.
• It is measured in mm Hg i.e. millimeters of mercury.
• Blood pressure at a normal rate is $120/80$ mm Hg while if the reading is elevated, then pressure will be $120 - 129$ mm Hg and diastolic pressure will be less than $80$ mm Hg.
• The position of our body results in increase or decrease in the measurement of blood pressure.
• When diastolic pressure is measured during two different positions, while sitting and while lying, the former might have reading up to $5$ mm Hg more than the latter.
• During supine position, the reading of systolic pressure might differ up to $8$ mm Hg when the hand goes at the level of heart as compared to sitting position.
• If a patient is supporting his/ her own arm, this may also result in the change in blood pressure reading.
• If a patient is not having a support at his/ her back while sitting, the reading may differ up to $6$ mmHg hence a support is advised while measuring the diastolic pressure.
• The ideal position for measuring blood pressure is considered when you are sitting with straight back and a support with your arms supported at the right and at a trial level.

Note: There are many blood pressure related diseases like- hypertension, low and high blood pressure etc. which needs medical attention. Blood pressure can go up to $180/120$ mm Hg during high blood pressure, the immediate need for medical attention is necessary. If your blood pressure goes below $90/50$ , immediately contact any doctor for medical attention. The cure for attaining normal blood pressure is exercising, changing the diet and lifestyle.