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Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
Part of The Heart and Circulation — GCSE Biology
This deep dive covers Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health within The Heart and Circulation for GCSE Biology. Heart structure, cardiac cycle, blood vessels, double circulation, heart rate control, and cardiovascular health It is section 7 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 14
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure = Force of blood against artery walls
Typical Reading: 120/80 mmHg
- Systolic (120): Pressure when heart contracts and pushes blood out
- Diastolic (80): Pressure when heart relaxes and fills with blood
- mmHg: Millimeters of mercury (pressure unit)
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure:
Increases BP:
- Exercise (temporarily)
- Stress and anxiety
- High salt diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Age (arteries stiffen)
- Caffeine
Decreases BP:
- Regular exercise (long-term)
- Healthy diet
- Weight loss
- Relaxation
- Good sleep
- Limiting alcohol
- Not smoking
Coronary Heart Disease
The heart muscle needs its own blood supply via coronary arteries. When these become blocked:
- Atherosclerosis: Fatty deposits build up in coronary artery walls
- Narrowing: Arteries become narrower, reducing blood flow to heart muscle
- Angina: Chest pain during exercise when heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen
- Heart Attack: Complete blockage cuts off blood supply, heart muscle dies
Prevention and Treatment:
- Lifestyle: Exercise, healthy diet, no smoking, manage stress
- Medication: Statins (lower cholesterol), blood thinners, beta-blockers
- Surgery: Angioplasty (balloon opens artery), bypass surgery
- Stents: Metal mesh tubes keep arteries open