Lesson 3: Under Pressure
Materials For the class
|Years of Age||Systolic||Diastolic|
|School age (7 years)||97-112||57-71|
The above numbers came from Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual. The general equation that is used for figuring out if a child (aged 1-10) is at 50th percentile for bp is 90mmHG + (2 x age in years).
A blood pressure reading with a systolic measurement of 140 and a diastolic measurement of 90 is commonly stated as 140 over 90. Repeated high or low readings of one or both may indicate high or low blood pressure. This diagnosis is usually made depending on other signs and symptoms.
The blood pressure activity is intended to be educational rather than diagnostic. Obtaining a high reading is not necessarily an indication of high blood pressure. Only a health specialist should make this determination.
The causes for high blood pressure can vary and are difficult to determine. It might be from narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of these conditions will cause an increased force against the artery walls. High blood pressure can also be caused by diseases such as kidney disease.
The most important factor in preventing high blood pressure is through maintaining good health, especially with a healthy diet and exercise.
Fat does not directly affect high blood pressure but "saturated fats" in the bloodstream can raise the level of cholesterol which plays a role in heart disease. Fat is also necessary to maintain a healthy system. You need fat for insulation, nerve conduction, energy (especially young people), and as an essential nutrient in all cells. You can be "heart-smart" by eating fats in moderation and by reducing the amount of saturated fats in your diet. This can be done by reading food packages carefully, although moderation is sufficient for most people.
This fun and creative site has been put together by three youths through the Think Quest Internet Challenge; it is a great resource for basic information about the human body and its systems.
Written by Catherine A. Broihier, this article about sodium contains detailed information and fun facts about the mineral, including the effects sodium can have on the body.
Part of the Franklin Institute's online exploration of the heart, this link contains interesting information about hypertension, such as what hypertension really is, the risk factor, and ways of preventing hypertension.
Click here to see a sphygmomanometer!
Microsoft Encarta's online version provides a concise description of the different blood types and what the significance of each is.
Visiting the Science Museum of Minnesota?
Learn about the Human Body Gallery.