Atmospheric pressure affects all living organisms. From the article you will learn the norm atmospheric pressure, and how changes in level affect a person.
Normal for humans
In medicine, it is believed that the normal atmospheric pressure for the average person is 750-760 mm Hg. Art.
A spread of 10 units of measurement between indicators is considered acceptable, since pressure parameters differ in places with different topography. So for residents of the high mountain region one pressure will be comfortable, and for residents of the plain - another. At the same time, the rapid movement of a person from one region to another can cause him unpleasant sensations due to changes in atmospheric pressure.
Analyzing the data on normal indicators of atmospheric pressure, we can judge that per 1 cm² of area the atmosphere presses with a force equal to the pressure of a mercury column, which has a height of 750-760 mm. With normal pressure levels, the human body feels comfortable. This is due to the fact that the body during for long years During the existence of man as a species, a balance developed between the pressure of air and its gases dissolved in tissue fluid.
Attention! Despite clearly established parameters for comfortable atmospheric pressure, different people, even from the same region, are able to tolerate the influence of air pressure differently. This is due to different abilities the human body to adapt to constantly changing conditions external environment. That's why generally accepted indicators of normal atmospheric pressure should be considered averaged.
Measurement of atmospheric pressure in mmHg. Art. (millimeters of mercury) is carried out due to the generally accepted system associated with the historical factor. mmHg Art. is not standard unit atmospheric pressure measurements. IN international system Standards of Measurement (SI) The unit for determining atmospheric pressure is the pascal (Pa). According to the SI measurement rules, an atmospheric pressure of 100 kPa (kilopascal) is considered normal. Pressure 750-760 mm Hg. Art. equals 99.95-101.32 kPa.
Air pressure is also measured in mm of water. Art. (mm of water column). According to this measurement, normal atmospheric pressure will be 10196.3-10332.2 mm of water. Art. However, such units of measurement are rarely used in practice in countries post-Soviet space. Measuring atmospheric pressure in terms of the water column is mainly used in the countries of the American continent.
Effect on the body
Normal indicators of atmospheric pressure are rarely observed, and even less often they are maintained for a long time. Weather instability, the direction of air masses, terrain features, the influence of production (especially in industrial cities) lead to the fact that atmospheric pressure is constantly changing, generally accepted normal indicators quickly change to uncomfortable. In this regard, the body has to constantly adapt to them and adapt. However, not everyone is capable of this. Adaptation to pressure changes is difficult atmospheric air persons suffering from a number of diseases (especially in chronic form). Let's consider the effect of different atmospheric pressure on the human body in groups.
Effect of increased atmospheric pressure
When high atmospheric pressure forms, the weather improves, the sky becomes clear, the air becomes warmer, becomes dry, and there are no surges in humidity. The body of a healthy person easily adapts to such parameters, without feeling discomfort or pain. There is an uplift in mood, increased performance, increased energy reserves, improved mood, and a surge of energy.
In hypertensive patients whose blood pressure already elevated, the combination of atmospheric and blood pressure leads to a worsening of the condition. Such people note complaints about:
decreased ability to work;
constant weakness;
the appearance of headache;
heartache;
rapid heartbeat (tachycardia);
noise or ringing in the ears;
sweating;
facial redness;
the appearance of spots, spots before the eyes, clouding;
Possible nosebleeds
The negative impact on humans of increased atmospheric pressure is clearly manifested in patients with diseases immune system or suffering from chronic diseases, including infectious ones. An increase in pressure leads to a decrease in the population of certain immune cells, which facilitates the conditions for the life of infections and enhances the processes of pathological metabolism. In allergy sufferers, in response to an increase in atmospheric pressure, progression of the pathological condition is observed.
In persons suffering from hypotension (reduced blood pressure), on the contrary, with high atmospheric pressure there is an improvement in their condition, the disappearance of pathological symptoms, their mood improves, their reserve of strength increases, and they feel comfortable. A similar picture is observed in patients with joint diseases, respiratory system(outside large city), digestive tract, nervous system(especially in people prone to depressive states suffering from bipolar personality disorder, schizophrenia).
Attention! Due to air pollution major cities in persons suffering from diseases of the respiratory system, with increasing atmospheric pressure, a deterioration in their condition is observed. Therefore, they are not recommended to stay outside for a long time, even in good weather.
Effect of low atmospheric pressure
The effects of low atmospheric pressure are first felt by patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, people with glaucoma and those suffering from surges in intracranial pressure. Those suffering from glaucoma note pain in the eye, blurred vision (blurred vision, cannot see objects in the distance, discomfort in and behind the eye, etc.), weakness and headaches. People suffering from changes in intracranial pressure will complain of noise in the head and ears, headaches of varying severity (even unbearable), loss of performance, sleep disturbances, etc.
In hypotensive patients, for whom it is optimal high blood pressure atmosphere, there will be a significant deterioration in condition (weakness, noise in the head and ears, drowsiness, dizziness, pain in the head and heart area, constant feeling lack of air, shortness of breath, possible coughing and abdominal pain.). The condition of hypertensive patients, on the contrary, will improve. People suffering from migraines, with low atmospheric pressure, will notice the appearance of painful attacks, their intensification and increase in duration. Such persons feel good at high atmospheric pressure.
For patients with joint diseases, low atmospheric pressure acts as a trigger for exacerbation of pathological processes. Such a person will notice a stable deterioration in his condition, increased symptoms (pain, dysfunction of joints). A similar picture will be observed in patients with diseases of the respiratory system, organs digestive system. Low air pressure also has an adverse effect on patients with diseases of the urinary system (pathological symptoms increase).
Condition of patients with mental illness often depends on the degrees outside the window and the weather. Worsening weather (observed when atmospheric pressure drops) has a negative effect on the state of mind. Patients with such diseases experience a deterioration in their condition and an exacerbation of pathological symptoms. Low blood pressure has a positive effect on the state of the immune system - the synthesis of cells and biologically active substances is enhanced.
Important! You can find out more about what blood pressure is considered normal from your doctor, and, if necessary, he will prescribe treatment.
Even in ancient times, people noticed that air exerts pressure on ground objects, especially during storms and hurricanes. He used this pressure to make the wind move sailing ships, rotate the wings windmills. However, for a long time it was not possible to prove that air has weight. Only in the 17th century was an experiment carried out that proved the weight of air. The reason for this was an accidental circumstance.
In Italy in 1640, the Duke of Tuscany decided to build a fountain on the terrace of his palace. The water for this fountain had to be pumped from a nearby lake, but the water did not flow higher than 32 feet. The Duke turned to Galileo, then already a very old man, for clarification. The great scientist was confused and did not immediately find how to explain this phenomenon. And only Galileo's student, Torricelli, after long experiments, proved that air has weight, and the atmospheric pressure is balanced by a column of water 32 feet. He went even further in his research and in 1643 invented a device for measuring atmospheric pressure - barometer.
So, on 1 cm² of the earth's surface, air exerts a pressure equal to 1.033 kg. All objects on Earth, as well as the human body, experience this pressure per 1 cm². If we take the average surface area of the human body to be about 15,000 cm², then it is obvious that it is under pressure of about 15,500 kg.
Why doesn’t a person experience any inconvenience and feel this heaviness? And this happens because the pressure is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the body and the external pressure is balanced by the internal air pressure that fills all our organs. The human body (and not only it, but many other representatives of the fauna) is adapted to atmospheric pressure, all organs have developed under it, and only under it can they function normally. With systematic and long-term training, a person can adapt and live with low blood pressure.
Atmospheric pressure can be measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and also in millibars (mb), but currently the SI unit of atmospheric pressure is Pascal and hectoPascal (hPa). HectoPascal is numerically equal to a millibar (mb). Atmospheric pressure is 760 mm. rt. Art. = 1,013.25 hPa = 1,013.25 mbar. is considered normal.
But this does not mean at all that this value of atmospheric pressure is the climatic norm for all regions and throughout the year.
Residents of Vladivostok are lucky: the average atmospheric pressure for the year is about 761 mm. rt. Art., although the residents of the mountain village of Tok Jalung in Tibet at an altitude of 4,919 m also do not suffer, and the atmospheric pressure there at a temperature of 0˚C is only 413 mm. rt. Art.
Every morning, weather reports transmit data on atmospheric pressure for Vladivostok and, at the request of radio listeners, not in hPa, but in mm. rt. Art. at sea level.
Why is atmospheric pressure measured on land most often translated to sea level?
The fact is that atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude and quite significantly. So, at an altitude of 5,000 m it is already approximately two times lower. Therefore, to obtain an idea of the real spatial distribution of atmospheric pressure and to compare its value in different areas and on different heights, for compiling synoptic maps, etc., the pressure is brought to a single level, i.e. to sea level.
Measured at the weather station site, located at an altitude of 187 m above sea level, the atmospheric pressure is on average 16-18 mm. rt. Art. lower than below on the seashore.
The figure shows annual course average monthly atmospheric pressure according to Vladivostok. Such a course of atmospheric pressure (with a winter maximum and a summer minimum) is typical for continental regions, and based on the annual amplitude (about 12 mmHg) it can be classified as a transitional type: from continental to oceanic.
For comparison, the amplitude in and is 15-19 mm. rt. Art., and in and only 3.75 mm. rt. Art.
On the well-being of a person who has lived in a certain area for quite a long time, normal (characteristic) pressure should not cause a particular deterioration in well-being, but failure occurs most often with sharp non-periodic fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, and, as a rule, ≥2-3 mm. rt. Art. / 3 hours. In these cases even practically healthy people performance decreases, a heaviness is felt in the body, a headache appears.
We are not able to influence the weather, but we can help our body survive this difficult period It's not difficult at all.
How to survive fluctuations in atmospheric pressure during the day?
If significant deterioration is predicted weather conditions, that is, sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, first of all you should not panic, calm down, reduce as much as possible physical activity. For those whose adaptation reactions are quite difficult, it is necessary to consult a doctor about prescribing appropriate medications.
Especially for Primpogoda, leading climatologist of Primhydromet E. A. Mendelson
Atmospheric pressure is the force with which a column of air presses on a certain unit area of the Earth. It is often measured in kilograms per square meter, and from there they are transferred to other units. Atmospheric pressure varies around the globe, depending on geographical location. Normal, habitual blood pressure is extremely important for the human body to function properly. You need to understand what atmospheric pressure is normal for a person, and how its changes can affect well-being.
When you rise to a height, the atmospheric pressure decreases, and when you go down, it increases. Also this indicator may depend on the time of year and humidity in a particular area. In everyday life it is measured using a barometer. It is customary to indicate atmospheric pressure in millimeters of mercury.
The ideal atmospheric pressure is considered to be 760 mmHg, but in Russia and most of the planet in general, this figure is far from this ideal.
The normal force of air pressure is considered to be that at which a person feels comfortable. Moreover, for people from different places habitats in which normal well-being is maintained will be different. A person usually gets used to the indicators of the area in which he lives. If a resident of the highlands moves to the lowlands, he will experience discomfort for some time and gradually get used to the new conditions.
However, even at permanent place residence, the atmospheric pressure may change. This usually happens with changing seasons and sudden changes in weather. In this case, people with a number of pathologies and congenital weather dependence may experience discomfort, and old diseases may begin to worsen.
It is worth knowing how you can improve your condition if there is a sharp drop or increase in atmospheric pressure. You don’t have to immediately run to the doctor - there are home techniques that have been tested by many people that can help you start feeling better.
Important! It is worth noting that people sensitive to changing weather conditions should be more careful when choosing places to spend their holidays or move.
What indicator is considered normal for a person?
Many experts say: normal blood pressure for a person will be 750–765 mmHg. It is easiest to adapt to indicators within these limits. For most people living on the plains, small hills, lowlands, they will be suitable.
It is worth noting that the most dangerous thing is not increased or decreased indicators, but their sudden change. If changes happen gradually, most people won't notice them. Abrupt change can lead to negative consequences: Some people may faint during a sharp climb uphill.
Pressure norm table
IN different cities countries, the indicators will be different - this is the norm. Usually detailed weather reports tell you whether the atmospheric pressure is above or below normal. this moment time. You can always calculate the norm for your place of residence yourself, but it’s easier to contact ready-made tables. For example, here are the indicators for several cities in Russia:
| City name | Normal atmospheric pressure (in millimeters of mercury) |
| Moscow | 747–748 |
| Rostov on Don | 740–741 |
| Saint Petersburg | 753–755, in some places – up to 760 |
| Samara | 752–753 |
| Ekaterinburg | 735–741 |
| Permian | 744–745 |
| Tyumen | 770–771 |
| Chelyabinsk | 737–744 |
| Izhevsk | 746–747 |
| Yaroslavl | 750–752 |
It is worth noting that for some cities and regions large pressure drops are normal. Locals They are usually well adapted to them; only a newcomer will feel unwell.
Important! If weather dependence occurs suddenly and has never been observed before, you should consult a doctor - this may indicate heart disease.
Effect on the body
For people with certain medical conditions and increased sensitivity to weather changes, pressure changes can negatively affect them, in some cases limiting their ability to work. Experts note: women are slightly more likely than men to react to weather changes.
People have different reactions to changes. Some people feel slight discomfort that easily goes away on their own after some time. Others require special medications to avoid exacerbation of any disease that may occur due to changing weather conditions.
The greatest tendency to negative experiences during pressure changes they have the following groups of people:
- WITH various diseases lungs, which include bronchial asthma, obstructive and chronic bronchitis.
- With heart and vascular diseases, especially hypertension, hypotension, atherosclerosis, and other disorders.
- With brain diseases, rheumatic pathologies, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially osteochondrosis.
It is also believed that changes in weather conditions provoke allergy attacks. In completely healthy people, the changes usually do not have a pronounced effect.
People with weather dependence experience headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, and pulse irregularities that are not observed with normal conditions. In this case, it is advised to consult a doctor to exclude the development of diseases of the heart and nervous system.
In addition to headaches and fatigue, people with various diseases may experience discomfort in the joints, changes in blood pressure, numbness in the lower extremities, and muscle pain. In case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, you should take medications prescribed by your doctor.
What to do if you are weather dependent
If increased sensitivity changes in weather conditions are present, but there are no diseases leading to it, then help cope with unpleasant sensations The following recommendations will help.
In the morning, it is advised to take a contrast shower, then drink a cup of good coffee to keep yourself in good shape. It is recommended to drink more tea during the day. Better - green with lemon. It will be useful to do exercises, several times a day.
Towards evening it is advised to relax. Herbal teas and decoctions with honey, valerian infusion and other mild sedatives will help with this. It is recommended to go to bed early and eat less salty foods during the day.
Caused by the weight of air. 1 m³ of air weighs 1.033 kg. For every meter of the earth's surface there is an air pressure of 10033 kg. This means a column of air with a height from sea level to upper layers atmosphere. If we compare it with a column of water, the diameter of the latter would have a height of only 10 meters. That is, atmospheric pressure is created by its own air mass. The amount of atmospheric pressure per unit area corresponds to the mass of the air column located above it. As a result of an increase in air in this column, pressure increases, and as air decreases, a decrease occurs. Normal atmospheric pressure is considered to be air pressure at t 0°C at sea level at a latitude of 45°. In this case, the atmosphere presses with a force of 1.033 kg for every 1 cm² of earth's area. The mass of this air is balanced by a column of mercury 760 mm high. Atmospheric pressure is measured using this relationship. It is measured in millimeters of mercury or millibars (mb), as well as in hectopascals. 1mb = 0.75 mm Hg, 1 hPa = 1 mm.
Measuring atmospheric pressure.
measured using barometers. They come in two types.
1. A mercury barometer is a glass tube, which is sealed at the top, and the open end is immersed in a metal bowl with mercury. A scale indicating the change in pressure is attached next to the tube. The mercury is acted upon by air pressure, which balances the column of mercury in the glass tube with its weight. The height of the mercury column changes with pressure changes.
2. A metal barometer or aneroid is a corrugated metal box that is hermetically sealed. Inside this box there is rarefied air. The change in pressure causes the walls of the box to vibrate, pushing in or out. These vibrations by a system of levers cause the arrow to move along a graduated scale.
Recording barometers or barographs are designed to record changes atmospheric pressure. The pen picks up the vibration of the walls of the aneroid box and draws a line on the tape of the drum, which rotates around its axis.
What is atmospheric pressure?
Atmospheric pressure on the globe varies widely. Its minimum value - 641.3 mm Hg or 854 mb was recorded over Pacific Ocean in Hurricane Nancy, and the maximum was 815.85 mm Hg. or 1087 MB in Turukhansk in winter.
Air pressure at earth's surface changes with altitude. Average atmospheric pressure value above sea level - 1013 mb or 760 mm Hg. The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure, as the air becomes more and more rarefied. In the lower layer of the troposphere to a height of 10 m it decreases by 1 mmHg. for every 10 m or 1 mb for every 8 meters. At an altitude of 5 km it is 2 times less, at 15 km - 8 times, 20 km - 18 times.
Due to air movement, temperature changes, seasonal changes Atmosphere pressure constantly changing. Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, it increases and decreases the same number of times, after midnight and after noon. During the year, due to the cold and compacted air, atmospheric pressure is at its maximum in winter and at its minimum in summer.
Constantly changing and distributed across the earth's surface zonally. This occurs due to uneven heating of the earth's surface by the Sun. The change in pressure is affected by the movement of air. Where there is more air, the pressure is high, and where the air leaves - low. The air, having warmed up from the surface, rises and the pressure on the surface decreases. At altitude, the air begins to cool, becomes denser and sinks to nearby cold areas. Atmospheric pressure increases there. Consequently, the change in pressure is caused by the movement of air as a result of its heating and cooling from the earth's surface.
Atmospheric pressure in equatorial zone constantly reduced, and in tropical latitudes - increased. This happens due to constant high temperatures air at the equator. The heated air rises and moves towards the tropics. In the Arctic and Antarctic, the surface of the earth is always cold and the atmospheric pressure is high. It is caused by air that comes from temperate latitudes. In turn, in temperate latitudes, due to the outflow of air, a zone of low pressure is formed. Thus, there are two belts on Earth atmospheric pressure- low and high. Decreased at the equator and in two temperate latitudes. Raised on two tropical and two polar. They may shift slightly depending on the time of year following the Sun towards the summer hemisphere.
Polar high pressure belts exist all year round, however, in summer they contract and in winter, on the contrary, they expand. All year round areas of low pressure remain near the Equator and in southern hemisphere in temperate latitudes. In the northern hemisphere, things happen differently. In temperate latitudes northern hemisphere the pressure over the continents increases greatly and the field low pressure as if “torn”: it is preserved only over the oceans in the form closed areas low atmospheric pressure- Icelandic and Aleutian minimums. Over the continents, where the pressure has noticeably increased, winter maximums form: Asian (Siberian) and North American (Canadian). In summer, the low pressure field in the temperate latitudes of the northern hemisphere is restored. At the same time, a vast area of low pressure is formed over Asia. This is the Asian low.
In the belt increased atmospheric pressure- the tropics - the continents are heating up stronger than the oceans and the pressure above them is lower. Because of this, subtropical highs are distinguished over the oceans:
- North Atlantic (Azores);
- South Atlantic;
- South Pacific;
- Indian.
Despite large-scale seasonal changes their indicators, belts of low and high atmospheric pressure of the Earth- formations are quite stable.
There is an atmosphere around our planet that puts pressure on everything inside it: rocks, plants, people. Normal atmospheric pressure is safe for humans, but changes in it can seriously affect health and well-being. To avoid possible troubles, scientists from various specialties are studying the effects of blood pressure on humans.
Atmospheric pressure - what is it?
The planet is surrounded air mass, which, under the influence of gravity, exerts pressure on all objects located on Earth. Human body- not an exception. This is what atmospheric pressure is, and in simpler terms in clear language: AP is the force with which air pressure is exerted on the earth’s surface. It can be measured in pascals, millimeters of mercury, atmospheres, millibars.
Atmospheric pressure under normal conditions
A column of air weighing 15 tons presses on the planet. Logically, such a mass should crush all living things on Earth. Why doesn't this happen? It's simple: the fact is that the pressure inside the body and normal atmospheric pressure for a person are equal. That is, the forces outside and inside are balanced, and the person feels quite comfortable. This effect is achieved due to gases dissolving in tissue fluids.
What is normal atmospheric pressure? Ideal blood pressure is considered to be 750-765 mmHg. Art. These values are considered correct for everyday conditions, but they are not true for all areas. There are low zones on the planet - up to 740 mm Hg. Art. – and elevated – up to 780 mm Hg. Art. – pressure. People living in them adapt and do not feel any discomfort. At the same time, visitors will immediately feel the difference and will complain of feeling unwell for some time.
Atmospheric pressure standards by region
For different points globe normal atmospheric pressure in mmHg is excellent. This is explained by the fact that the atmosphere affects regions differently. The entire planet is divided into atmospheric belts, and even within small areas, readings can differ by several units. True, sudden changes are rarely felt and are perceived by the body normally.
Normal atmospheric pressure for a person changes under the influence of various factors. It depends on the elevation of the area above sea level, average humidity and temperature. Over warm zones, for example, the compression of the atmosphere is not as strong as over cold ones. Altitude has a strong influence on blood pressure:
- at 2000 m above sea level, a pressure of 596 mmHg is considered normal. Art.,
- at 3000 m – 525 mm Hg. Art.;
- at 4000 m – 462 mm Hg. Art.
What atmospheric pressure is considered normal for humans?
Blood pressure should be determined in ideal conditions: clearly above sea level at a temperature of 15 degrees. What is normal atmospheric pressure? There is no single indicator that is fair for everyone. What normal atmospheric pressure will be for one or another person depends on the state of health, living conditions, and hereditary factors. The only thing that can be said with certainty is that optimal blood pressure is one that does not cause harm and is not felt.
How does atmospheric pressure affect people?
Not everyone feels its effects, but this does not mean that the influence of atmospheric pressure on people is absent. Sudden changes, as a rule, make themselves felt. blood pressure in human body depends on the force of pushing blood out of the heart and vascular resistance. Both indicators can fluctuate when cyclones and anticyclones change. The body's reaction to pressure surges depends on what normal atmospheric pressure is for that person. Hypotonic patients, for example, react poorly to low blood pressure, and hypertensive patients suffer from an even greater increase in blood pressure.
High atmospheric pressure - impact on humans
An anticyclone is characterized by dry, clear and windless weather. Elevated blood pressure is accompanied clear skies. Under such conditions, no temperature surges are observed. It's hardest on high pressure hypertensive patients react - especially the elderly, people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, and allergy sufferers. During anticyclones, hospitals often record cases of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertensive crises.
You can understand that your blood pressure is high by knowing what normal atmospheric pressure is for a person. If the tonometer shows a value 10-15-20 units higher than it, such blood pressure is already considered high. In addition, increased pressure is determined by symptoms such as:
- headache;
- pulsation in the head;
- facial hyperemia;
- noise and whistling in the ears;
- tachycardia;
- ripples before the eyes;
- weakness;
- fast fatiguability.
How does low atmospheric pressure affect people?
The first to feel low blood pressure are heart patients and people suffering from intracranial pressure. They feel general weakness, malaise, complain of migraines, shortness of breath, lack of oxygen and sometimes pain in the intestinal area. The cyclone is accompanied by an increase in temperature and humidity. Hypotensive organisms react to this by dilating blood vessels with a decrease in their tone. Cells and tissues do not get enough oxygen.
The following signs are also considered characteristic of low atmospheric pressure:
- rapid and difficult breathing;
- paroxysmal spasmodic headache;
- nausea;
- prostration.
Weather dependence - how to deal with it?
This problem is complex and unpleasant, but it can be overcome.
How to deal with weather dependence for hypotensive patients:
- Healthy and long sleep – at least 8 hours – strengthens the immune system and makes it more resistant to changes in blood pressure.
- Douses or regular contrast showers are suitable for vascular training.
- Immunomodulators and tonics help improve well-being.
- You should not subject your body to too much physical stress.
- Your diet must include foods containing beta-carotene and ascorbic acid.
Advice for hypertensive patients is slightly different:
- It is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits, which contain potassium. It is better to exclude salts and liquids from the diet.
- You should take a light, contrasting shower several times throughout the day.
- Measure your blood pressure regularly and, if necessary, take
- During periods of high blood pressure, do not take on complex tasks that require high concentration.
- Do not rise to high altitudes during a stable anticyclone.