Hypertension
Blood pressure varies depending on the resistance that arteries put up against blood flow. And as times goes by it rises as the artery walls lose elasticity. When does it rise? When we have a problem, and it goes back down when we have dealt with the conflict, perhaps even just by talking about it. It can also go up when we think about strong physical exertion or an unpleasant situation.

For these reasons hypertension is seen as a disease spawned by the fast pace of western life.

To treat it one must evaluate risk factors (smoking, diabetes, and family history), age and gender. Treatment will be based on a diet low in salt and high in non-saturated fats, potassium (fresh fruit and vegetables), calcium and magnesium.

Also, it is necessary to quit smoking, not drink alcohol to excess and avoid a sedentary life. Get some exercise every day (at least 30 minutes) and if necessary take medicine prescribed by your doctor (diuretics, beta blockers, dihydropyridines, enzyme conversion inhibitors, etc).

Hypotension
Low blood pressure shows up in symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Why? The pressure is not high enough to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the organism or to remove waste products from those cells. That is to say, there is a temporary drop in blood flow.

What causes it? Some medicines, dehydration, haemorraghing, dilated blood vessels, diabetes, intense vomiting, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, pregnancy, arteriosclerosis or simply malfunctioning of the mechanisms that keep blood pressure at a normal level; for example, a disorder in nerves' ability to send signals.

Lifting your legs can help recover from a bout of hypotension since it increases flow of blood to the heart and the brain. It can also help to take prescription drugs such as ephedrine, phenylephrine, propanolol, dihydroergotamine, indomethacin and metoclopramide, or hormones such as fludrocortisone.

Also, take these steps: avoid getting up�or standing abruptly, don't remain sedentary for long periods, follow a diet rich in salt, drink a lot of liquid, take little or no alcohol and wear elastic compression socks.

If it is a question of correcting a slow heartbeat you may need a pacemaker.

Blood pressure must be monitored whether the patient is healthy or has hyper- or hypotension. A healthy person should have their blood pressure taken twice a year, while a person with hyper- or hypotension should do so in intervals of one to four weeks, and follow doctors' orders.

Hyper- or hypotension exists when the figures for the maximum or minimum of blood pressure are above the levels considered normal for a person of that age. The best thing to do is talk to a doctor.

To check blood pressure there are traditional arm-pump devices, although pharmacies now have equipment that can measure it automatically and instantly.