2.1 Explain the principles of blood pressure to include: • blood pressure maintenance • differentiation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure • normal limits of blood pressure • conditions of high or low blood pressure

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Explain the principles of blood pressure to include: • blood pressure maintenance • differentiation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure • normal limits of blood pressure • conditions of high or low blood pressure.

Principles of Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts against the walls of arteries as it moves through the body. It is an important measurement in health and social care because it provides information about heart function, circulation and overall well-being. Workers in this field often monitor and record blood pressure to help identify potential health problems early.

Blood pressure readings are usually recorded in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and involve two numbers which are measured using a blood pressure monitor, typically with a cuff placed on the arm.

Blood Pressure Maintenance

The body works continuously to maintain blood pressure within a healthy range. This balance ensures enough blood reaches the brain, heart, kidneys and other vital organs. Many systems in the body interact to keep blood pressure stable.

Key factors that help maintain blood pressure include:

• The heart pumping blood effectively.
• Blood vessels being able to expand and contract as required.
• The kidneys controlling the volume of blood by regulating fluid and salt levels.
• The nervous system sending signals to adjust heart rate and vessel diameter.
• Hormones such as adrenaline influencing how quickly the heart beats and how much the vessels tighten.

Lifestyle habits support blood pressure maintenance. Healthy eating, regular exercise, reducing salt intake and limiting alcohol support proper blood circulation. Stress management is equally important, as emotional pressure can temporarily raise blood pressure.

The body naturally adjusts blood pressure depending on activity. For example, blood pressure might rise slightly during exercise to support muscles with enough oxygen and nutrients. At rest, the heart slows and pressure returns to normal levels.

If blood pressure control is disrupted for long periods, it can cause damage to organs or increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Differentiation Between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure

A blood pressure measurement has two numbers. The first is systolic and the second is diastolic.

• Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. This is the highest pressure in the cycle. It shows how well the heart can pump and how forcefully blood flows through arteries.
• Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. This is the lowest pressure in the cycle. It shows the resistance of arteries and how well they can relax after each beat.

For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80. Both numbers are important. A high systolic reading can signal problems such as stiff arteries or heart strain, while a high diastolic reading can indicate blood vessel resistance and possible long-term risk.

In health and social care practice, recognising the difference helps in identifying varied health concerns. Some conditions affect systolic more than diastolic and vice versa.

Normal Limits of Blood Pressure

Health professionals use agreed ranges to decide whether blood pressure is healthy, raised or too low. Normal limits can vary slightly based on guidelines and the patient’s age, but for most adults:

• Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg.
• Elevated blood pressure may be around 121–139 systolic or 81–89 diastolic.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) is 140/90 mmHg or above when measured on multiple occasions.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) may be 90/60 mmHg or below.

Blood pressure is not fixed. It changes during the day depending on activity, posture, stress and health. A single higher reading may not mean a problem, but repeated high or low readings need investigation.

For older adults, normal limits may be adjusted slightly since artery stiffness increases with age. In health and social care work, knowing what is normal helps identify when to refer someone for further assessment.

Conditions of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the heart must work harder to pump blood. This increased force can damage the inner lining of arteries, making them narrower and less flexible.

Common causes include:

• Long-term stress
• High salt intake
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or thyroid problems
• Family history of hypertension

Hypertension often has no clear symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a silent risk factor. If left untreated, it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and vision problems.

In a care setting, regular monitoring is important for those with known hypertension. Care workers might support individuals by helping them follow dietary advice, keeping active within safe limits, and ensuring they take prescribed medicines. Providing reassurance and emotional support can also reduce stress levels.

Conditions of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, can lead to insufficient blood flow to the brain and other organs. This can cause dizziness, fainting, blurred vision and weakness. In severe cases, it may be life-threatening if the lack of blood supply causes organ damage.

Causes can include:

• Dehydration from illness or lack of fluid
• Blood loss from injury or surgery
• Certain medicines such as diuretics or heart medications
• Heart problems that reduce pumping strength
• Hormonal issues such as adrenal gland disorders
• Severe infections that spread through the blood (sepsis)

Hypotension is more common in older adults, who may be at risk of falls if they become dizzy or faint. This is particularly important in health and social care, where safety must always be maintained.

Management of low blood pressure might involve increasing fluid and salt intake, adjusting medicines, wearing compression stockings to improve circulation or moving slowly from lying to standing to avoid sudden drops in pressure.

Monitoring Blood Pressure in Practice

Care workers may need to measure and record blood pressure as part of their role. This can be done with a manual method using a cuff, stethoscope and sphygmomanometer, or with an automated machine.

Key points when monitoring include:

• The person should be relaxed and seated quietly for several minutes before measurement.
• The cuff should fit properly on the arm.
• Measurements from both arms can give more accurate assessments.
• Record the reading clearly with both systolic and diastolic numbers.
• Recheck readings if they are unexpectedly high or low.
• Keep results confidential as part of the person’s medical record.

Care staff should follow organisational procedures and training guidelines when taking readings. If results are out of the normal range, they are responsible for reporting this to a nurse or appropriate medical staff.

Supporting Individuals with Blood Pressure Concerns

Health and social care provision often involves supporting people to manage their own blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication. Workers can offer encouragement and practical help.

For hypertension, support may involve:

• Preparing or promoting healthy meals with less salt.
• Encouraging safe physical activity.
• Assisting with attendance at medical appointments.
• Observing for side effects of medicines and reporting concerns.
• Helping individuals manage stress through relaxation techniques.

For hypotension, support can include:

• Encouraging regular fluid intake.
• Assisting with slow position changes from sitting to standing.
• Checking for dizziness or weakness during activities.
• Promoting small, regular meals to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.

Every action should respect the person’s dignity and independence. Workers should be aware that some people may feel anxious about having blood pressure measured, and provide reassurance.

Impact of Blood Pressure on Health

Maintaining healthy blood pressure helps reduce the strain on the heart, brain and kidneys. Consistently high pressure damages arteries over time, making them less able to supply blood effectively. Low pressure increases the risk of reduced blood flow to vital organs which can lead to shock in severe situations.

Health and social care workers who understand blood pressure and act on abnormal readings can help prevent serious outcomes. Knowledge of systolic and diastolic differences aids in accurate interpretation of results.

The focus is not simply on the numbers but on the overall health picture. Blood pressure changes may be linked to weight changes, diet, emotional stress or underlying illness.

Final Thoughts

Blood pressure is a core measure of cardiovascular health. It reflects how well the heart and blood vessels are working together. In health and social care, knowing how blood pressure is maintained, the difference between systolic and diastolic readings, normal ranges and possible conditions linked to high or low levels gives workers the confidence to respond appropriately.

Regular monitoring and early reporting can make a real difference in preventing harm. By supporting people with lifestyle advice, helping them follow treatment plans and being alert to changes, care staff play a strong role in promoting long-term health. Blood pressure knowledge is not just technical; it connects directly to person-centred care and maintaining quality of life.