Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Biology 11

locations to find heart rate

carotid artery (wrist) and radial artery (neck)

normal human heart rates + animals

Fetus - 140 to 160 bpm

Females - 72 to 80 bpm, smaller heart less blood

Males - 64 to 72

Blue whales 6 bpm

Mouse 450 to 750 bpm

Rabbit 280 to 350

Factors that increase heart rate

• Stress

• Exercise

• Heat

• Loud Noises

• Fear

• Caffeine

Factors that decrease heart rate

• Decrease heart rate

  • Holding Breath

  • Cold Temps

  • Laziness 

high blood pressure

1 in 5 canadians have it

it has no symptoms

what is blood pressure

it is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as your heart pumps

if it is too high, it can damage the body over time

what can high blood pressure lead to

untreated can lead to athereosclerosis and congestive heart failure

heart disease contributes to 75% of heart attacks and strokes

can also lead to coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure

blood pressure readings

• Systolic pressure/Diastolic pressure

• Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers.

• The top number is the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure). 

• The bottom number is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).

• Example: 120/80

normal systolic pressure

normal: < 120

prehypertension: 120-139

high blood pressure:

stage 1: 140-159

stage 2: 160 or above

normal diastolic pressure

normal: < 80

prehypertension: 80-89

high blood pressure:

stage 1: 90-99

stage 2: 100 or above

keeping low blood pressure

• eat foods low in saturated fat

• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods.

• Limit your sodium intake

• Limit alcohol intak

• Make sure your diet includes foods high in potassium 

• Eat plenty of low-fat or non-fat dairy products.

• Engage in physical activity