The human body maintains blood pressure through a complex system involving the heart, blood vessels, and various hormones and chemical messengers. The heart pumps blood throughout the body, which exerts pressure on the walls of the blood vessels. This pressure is known as blood pressure and is measured as systolic pressure (when the heart contracts) over diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes).
The body has several mechanisms to regulate blood pressure. The nervous system, for example, can increase or decrease the heart rate and the diameter of blood vessels to adjust blood flow and pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is another mechanism that regulates blood pressure. This system responds to changes in blood volume or blood pressure by releasing hormones that cause blood vessels to constrict and the kidneys to reabsorb more water, which increases blood pressure.
Other factors that can affect blood pressure include the amount of water and salt in the body, the health of the blood vessels, and the production of various hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. When blood pressure is too high or too low, it can put strain on the heart and blood vessels and lead to health problems such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, to help regulate blood pressure and maintain overall health.