Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the wall of arteries.  Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure).

There are two types of blood pressure-high and low. The systolic pressure is defined as the peak pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the beginning of the cardiac cycle. The diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke. Very high pressure can cause a break in a weakened blood vessel, which then bleeds in the brain. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and steps which include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, following a healthy eating plan, that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, preparing foods with less salt and sodium and cutting smoking and alcohol.

When blood pressure and blood flow decrease beyond a certain point, the perfusion of the brain becomes critically decreased. This leads to lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness and fainting which causes low blood pressure.

In today’s busy life, stress is becoming a part of life which is a common cause of blood pressure. Avoid stress at any cost. Cut down high sodium intake in your food. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Always consult a physician before buy a blood pressure machine to monitor blood pressure. Take directions of using it in a right way. The safest way is to use digital monitoring equipment as it is user-friendly and gives accurate measurement.

The side-effects of high blood pressure are dizziness, depression, impotence, liver damage and fatigue. High blood pressure also causes swelling of the brain. This can be a life threatening condition. Low calcium intakes have high rates of high blood pressure. Dairy food like low-fat selections of milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium. Potassium rich food will help protect some people from developing high blood pressure. Many fruits, vegetables, dairy foods and fish are good sources of potassium.

Make it a point to visit your physician regularly and get your blood pressure checked. This will help in running down from the risk of high/low blood pressure.