Blood Pressure vs. Venous Pressure: The Hidden Hack That Keeps You Alive
The heart beats about 100,000 times a day to circulate blood through a web of vessels that measure about 100,000 km long. However, have you thought about how blood travels away from the heart and, most importantly of all, how it comes back to the heart?
Some misconceptions are to be clarified.
Misconception: Blood pressure remains constant throughout the circulatory system.
Correction: It is higher in the arteries as the blood is pumped out by the heart under great pressure. When the blood is circulated through the veins, its pressure decreases.
Misconception: The heart itself forces blood to go back to the heart through the veins.
Correction: Veins work under very low pressure. In addition to the heart, veins make use of valves and contraction of the surrounding muscle tissue, especially in the leg region.
Misconception: Staying in the same position does not affect blood circulation.
Correction: Being either standing or seated for too long means that your blood will accumulate in leg veins owing to the force of gravity. Therefore, walking or just flexing your calves promotes better blood flow and prevents swelling.
One more interesting thing about walking is that with each step you make, you activate a small pump. Your calf muscles work as a compression band for veins, while one-way valves prevent the backflow of blood.
Good news is that several simple activities may contribute to your normal circulation – such as walking regularly, drinking enough water, not being overweight, and not staying seated for too long.
Your heart gives a start, but your muscles do the rest. What surprised you the most about how blood returns to the heart? Let us know in the comments.
MBH/PS