Healthy Living

The Lowdown on High Blood Pressure and Giraffes

The adorable, long-necked giraffes are a fan favorite at the zoo. But did you know that there is more to love about giraffes? These gentle giants are known as the tallest mammals on Earth and may also hold the secret to handling dangerous high blood pressure levels.

Giraffes have one of the highest blood pressures of any mammal in the world. It reaches a pressure of up to 280/180 mm Hg, twice that found in humans (120/80 mm Hg)! Despite their extraordinary blood pressure, giraffes do not suffer the same devastating consequences of having chronic high blood pressure in humans, such as heart failure and kidney failure. Additionally, unlike humans with hypertension, giraffes are not prone to bothersome swelling in the lower extremities.

How do they do it? Scientists say it may be due to the giraffe's pressurized organs, altered heart rhythms and blood storage capacity. The typical head of a giraffe rises about 19 feet above the ground, requiring a significant amount of pressure for the heart to pump blood. To help fight gravity, the giraffe's heart has a thicker muscle and blood vessels with incredibly elastic walls. The skin on their legs also acts like giant compression socks or the biological equivalent of support stockings in humans. That is why we do not see giraffes with swollen legs and ankles, even with their round-the-clock sky-high blood pressure.

Decoding Your Blood Pressure

While scientists harness the hidden wonders of the giraffe's fascinating features and make adaptations to find new ways and approaches to treat or prevent high blood pressure in humans, the guidelines below can help those with high blood pressure take action to lower their risk of conditions associated with heart disease. You may use this guide from the American Heart Association to help you better understand your blood pressure numbers in your next doctor's appointment.

Blood Pressure Category

Systolic mm Hg

(upper number)

And/or

Diastolic mm Hg

(lower number)

Normal

Less than 120

and

Less than 80

Elevated

120-129

And

Less than 80

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1

130-139

or

80-89

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2

140 or higher

or

90 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis (consult your doctor immediately)

Higher than 180

and/or

Higher than 120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Your Blood Pressure Checked

While giraffes have built-in compression socks and high-blood pressure-proof hearts, humans do not. High blood pressure increases your risk of health problems, including stroke and heart attack. Regular check-ins with your doctor starting at age 18 and keeping track of your blood pressure numbers are critical to avoid developing complications associated with heart disease later in life. Please do not delay care.

Sources:
Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Knowable Magazine
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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