The blood pressure and pulse are two medical measurements routinely used to determine the state of a person's health. Each remains intimately connected to the heart, the most vital organ of the body. Regular monitoring and preventive strategies can help achieve good heart health.

The effects of some medications can be increased or decreased when they are taken with certain foods. Although grapefruit juice interacts with many medications, it does not affect beta blockers.

Certain medications, including those used to treat blood pressure problems, can lead to hair loss. The loss typically begins within a few days or weeks from the time you start a new medication or your doctor changes your dosage, says DermNetNZ.org.

Blood pressure testing is routinely performed at doctor appointments to monitor the health of your heart and entire cardiovascular system. While good technique is necessary when taking a blood pressure, having the proper equipment is equally important.

Arterial blood gasses are a common test done to measure the acidity and gas content of the blood, primarily the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Arterial blood gas levels are typically done in pulmonology, because it can give information on lung function.

Many Americans have a taste for salty foods. In fact, 90 percent of Americans eat too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. In the short term, a salty meal can make you feel bloated because your body is retaining water. In this case, drinking more water than normal may help.

Sensors in your body constantly monitor your blood pressure to ensure adequate blood flow to your organs and tissues. Many everyday circumstances affect your blood pressure, not the least of which is your body position.

When diet and exercise are not enough to control blood pressure, your doctor might prescribe one of several types of prescription drugs to lower your blood pressure.

Whether you are riding in an airplane, a fast-moving elevator, or witnessing a thunderstorm, you have likely noticed a sense of physical discomfort due to changes in barometric pressure. Barometers are instruments which are used to measure air pressure and predict weather patterns, particularly precipitation.

Also known as vitamin B-3, niacin occurs naturally in several widely-available foods, including fish, peanuts and sunflower seeds. Your body requires niacin for a number of functions, including producing hormones, improving circulation and decreasing the amount of cholesterol in your body.

Eating a diet high in fiber and whole grains helps your body maintain a healthy blood pressure. Oatmeal satisfies both of those dietary requirements. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 100 grams of fortified oats has 10 grams of fiber, as well as 352 milligrams of calcium and 359 grams of potassium.

Salt-laden meals might taste savory to some people, but leave others feeling uncomfortable at the end of a meal. Salt's relationship to increased blood pressure is a hot topic, and exactly what the mechanism is behind its effects remains a matter of conjecture.