14.2 : Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.

Physiological Factors:

• Age: As individuals age, their arteries become stiffer and lose elasticity. This reduction in elasticity hinders the arteries' ability to dilate and absorb pressure changes, often resulting in higher systolic pressures in older adults due to decreased elasticity.
• Circadian Rhythm: BP naturally varies throughout the day, typically being lower in the morning and rising by 5 to 10 mmHg in the late afternoon before decreasing again during sleep. It is important to consider this pattern when measuring and interpreting BP readings.
• Gender: Gender differences in BP are notable. Generally, women tend to have lower BP than men of the same age until menopause, after which women's BP tends to rise, partly due to hormonal changes.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Obesity: Excess body weight significantly correlates with increased BP, potentially leading to increased vascular resistance and hormonal changes that elevate BP.
• Diet: Diets high in sodium and saturated fats and low in potassium can raise blood pressure levels.
• Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking increase BP. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, and alcohol disrupts the balance of the circulatory system.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise typically lowers BP over time, though acute or strenuous exercise can temporarily increase it.
• Stress: Chronic stress can elevate BP by triggering the release of stress hormones.
• Posture: The body's position affects BP readings, which are usually lower when lying down and higher when standing or sitting due to gravity's effects on blood flow.

Medications:

• Certain medications, such as birth control pills, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and some antidepressants, can increase BP.
• Conversely, medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, which relax blood vessels or reduce heart rate, are prescribed to lower BP.

Genetic Factors:

• Genetics plays a significant role in BP regulation, with a family history of hypertension increasing the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.

Understanding these diverse factors enables nursing students to provide more effective patient education and manage blood pressure more efficiently, tailoring interventions to individual needs based on these influences.