What does a blood pressure reading of 100/62 indicate. How can you maintain this ideal blood pressure level. What lifestyle changes should you implement to ensure cardiovascular health.

Decoding the 100/62 Blood Pressure Reading

A blood pressure reading of 100/62 mmHg is considered perfectly normal and falls within the ideal range recommended by the American Heart Association. But what exactly do these numbers mean?

• The first number (100) represents systolic pressure, which occurs when the heart contracts.
• The second number (62) represents diastolic pressure, measured when the heart relaxes between beats.

This reading indicates that your cardiovascular system is functioning efficiently, with blood flowing through your vessels at an optimal pressure. It’s a positive sign of good heart health and overall well-being.

The Importance of Maintaining Ideal Blood Pressure

Maintaining a blood pressure within the normal range (90/60 to 120/80 mmHg) offers numerous health benefits. Why is this so crucial for your body?

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Better kidney function
• Improved cognitive health
• Lower risk of vision problems
• Enhanced overall quality of life

With a reading of 100/62, you’re in an excellent position to enjoy these health advantages. However, it’s important to remember that blood pressure can fluctuate over time, so ongoing monitoring and maintenance are key.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Blood Pressure

While genetics play a role in determining your blood pressure, lifestyle factors have a significant impact. What can you do to maintain your healthy 100/62 reading?

1. Regular physical activity (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week)
2. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
3. Limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day
4. Maintaining a healthy weight
5. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
6. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help ensure your blood pressure remains at an optimal level.

The Role of Diet in Blood Pressure Management

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Which dietary approaches can help you maintain your ideal 100/62 reading?

The DASH Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is specifically designed to promote heart health. It emphasizes:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans)
• Low-fat dairy products
• Limited saturated fats and added sugars

Potassium-Rich Foods

Increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods can help balance the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Good sources include:

• Bananas
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Beans

By focusing on these dietary strategies, you can help maintain your healthy blood pressure levels naturally.

Exercise and Its Impact on Blood Pressure

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of maintaining healthy blood pressure. How does exercise contribute to optimal cardiovascular health?

• Strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently
• Improves the elasticity of blood vessels
• Helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system
• Reduces stress, a known contributor to high blood pressure

To reap these benefits, aim for a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing are excellent options for maintaining your healthy 100/62 blood pressure.

Stress Management and Blood Pressure

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on blood pressure. How can you effectively manage stress to maintain your ideal reading?

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. These techniques can lower blood pressure by:

• Reducing the body’s stress response
• Improving emotional regulation
• Enhancing overall well-being

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to lower blood pressure. Try this simple technique:

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes
2. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4
3. Hold your breath for a count of 4
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6
5. Repeat for 5-10 minutes daily

By incorporating these stress management techniques into your daily routine, you can help maintain your healthy 100/62 blood pressure reading.

The Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring

While your current reading of 100/62 is ideal, it’s crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly. Why is ongoing monitoring so important?

• Blood pressure can fluctuate over time due to various factors
• Early detection of changes allows for prompt intervention
• Regular monitoring helps you understand your body’s patterns and responses to lifestyle changes
• It provides valuable information for your healthcare provider

How often should you check your blood pressure? For most people with normal blood pressure, checking once or twice a year is sufficient. However, if you have risk factors for hypertension or a family history of cardiovascular disease, more frequent monitoring may be recommended. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Understanding Blood Pressure Variations

While 100/62 is an excellent blood pressure reading, it’s important to understand that blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. What factors can cause these variations?

• Time of day (blood pressure is typically lower at night and rises in the morning)
• Physical activity
• Emotional state
• Meals (blood pressure may temporarily increase after eating)
• Hydration levels
• Caffeine and alcohol consumption

These natural variations are normal and don’t necessarily indicate a problem. However, consistently high readings or sudden, significant changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

White Coat Hypertension and Masked Hypertension

Two phenomena that can affect blood pressure readings are worth noting:

• White Coat Hypertension: This occurs when blood pressure readings are higher in a medical setting due to anxiety.
• Masked Hypertension: This is when blood pressure readings are normal in a medical setting but elevated at home.

These conditions underscore the importance of home monitoring and multiple readings to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure over time.

Natural Supplements for Blood Pressure Support

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to optimal blood pressure, some natural supplements may offer additional support. Which supplements have shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health?

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, these may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant may help lower blood pressure by reducing oxidative stress.
• Garlic: Some studies suggest garlic supplements may have a modest effect on lowering blood pressure.
• Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in regulating blood pressure and may help maintain healthy levels.
• Hibiscus tea: Regular consumption of hibiscus tea has been associated with modest reductions in blood pressure.

It’s important to note that while these supplements may offer benefits, they should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking medications.

The Role of Sleep in Blood Pressure Regulation

Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. How does sleep affect your cardiovascular health?

• During normal sleep, blood pressure drops by about 10-20%
• Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt this natural dipping pattern
• Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of hypertension
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can contribute to elevated blood pressure

To support healthy blood pressure, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to rest.

Tips for Better Sleep

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g., reading, gentle stretching, or meditation)
3. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
4. Limit exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bedtime
5. Avoid caffeine, large meals, and intense exercise close to bedtime

By prioritizing good sleep habits, you can support your overall health and help maintain your ideal blood pressure of 100/62.

The Impact of Hydration on Blood Pressure

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. How does your fluid intake affect your cardiovascular system?

• Adequate hydration helps maintain blood volume, supporting healthy blood pressure
• Dehydration can cause blood to become thicker, potentially increasing blood pressure
• Staying well-hydrated supports overall kidney function, which is crucial for blood pressure regulation

While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to aim for about 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health can influence your hydration needs.

Hydration Tips

1. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day
2. Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can have a diuretic effect
4. Monitor the color of your urine – pale yellow indicates good hydration

By maintaining proper hydration, you can support your cardiovascular health and help keep your blood pressure at the ideal 100/62 level.

Understanding Blood Pressure Categories

While your blood pressure of 100/62 falls within the normal range, it’s important to understand the different blood pressure categories. How are these categories defined?

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
• Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg
• Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120 mmHg

Your reading of 100/62 falls comfortably within the normal range, indicating optimal cardiovascular health. However, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your blood pressure and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits to prevent progression to higher categories.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

While your current blood pressure is ideal, it’s important to be aware of factors that can increase your risk of developing hypertension in the future:

• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Being overweight or obese
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High sodium intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)

By understanding these risk factors and maintaining your healthy lifestyle, you can help ensure your blood pressure remains at the optimal 100/62 level for years to come.

Blood Pressure 100/62: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 100/62 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 100/62 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 100/62 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 100/62 blood pressure.

9 Signs of High Blood Pressure and …

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9 Signs of High Blood Pressure and What You Need to Start Doing Immediately

What does a 100/62 blood pressure mean?

The blood pressure reading 100/62 indicates that the person in question has ideal blood pressure.

If a person has blood pressure within the range of [90/60] and [120/80], it will mean that the person has perfect blood pressure.

By extension, the blood pressure value of 100/62 means that the person is not at a prominent risk of any heart disease. His/her heart is functioning the way a healthy person’s heart should, and that is significantly good for that person.

Ideal blood pressure is the state in which the blood flowing through the blood vessels applies just the right amount of pressure over those and the heart walls. As an effect of this, the heart can pump blood to all the parts of the body rather effectively.

100/62 signifies that the lifestyle that you have adapted yourself to is well-supported by your body and health. Also, if you were to keep up with the same lifestyle, it would eliminate the possible risk of chronic heart disease from your life.

If you happen to have healthy blood pressure, then it will help improve your health in more ways than just one. Some of the benefits that are supported by your body for having an ideal blood pressure are as follows:

• An ideal blood pressure protects you from imminent risks of heart problems.
• It is an indication that you are not suffering from diabetes and that your endocrine glands are functioning perfectly.
• Ideal blood pressure helps you maintain the ideal body weight for you.
• Having an ideal blood pressure relatively decreases the possibility of heart and kidney failure.
• It will help in the regulation of minerals within your body.
• Ideal blood pressure decreases the possibility of stroke for you.

What should you do if you have 100/62 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 100/62.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 100/62 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 100/62 is, in fact, clinically valid.

There are instances when your reading at home setup might give you a reading which is incorrectly reported. It could be because of an error in reading it, damage to your device, your physical or mental condition on that particular day, etc.

Therefore, a doctor has to assess it over the course of 7 – 30 days periodically before he/she can confirm the accurate stage of your blood pressure.

In some cases, a patient might report wrong blood pressure in a hospital setup, called white coat hypertension. Here the patient may show higher blood pressure than their actual because of the anxiety inside a hospital environment.

In contrast, some patients may have masked hypertension in which the person may show lower blood pressure at clinical setup, but at home, they may have higher blood pressure.

All these conditions are linked to physiology and psychology and, therefore, better to be validated by a doctor.

2. Keep it up!

The blood pressure readings of 100/62 are relatively good, even taking into consideration the entire range of the ideal blood pressure.

But just because it is good now does not mean that things won’t change over time. Considering that distinct possibility, you should stick to a lifestyle that will help keep you fit and support your health.

Following are some of the habits that you should adopt in your lifestyle to keep yourself healthy all the time:

• Try to maintain that it is in equilibrium with your age and lifestyle.
• Eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.
• Regulate the consumption of salts.
• Support the intake of natural supplements whenever you feel those to be necessary for your body.
• Take proper rest every day. Your rest and sleep should be priorities for you.
• Quit smoking and keep your alcohol consumption in a check.
• Do not subject yourself to excess stress and anxiety, or this might turn into an emotional burden for you.

3. Do you need any medicine to keep this up?

At this stage, you don’t need any medications and all thanks to those perfect numbers you have seen.

All you can do is indulge in a healthy amount of workouts and other physical activities with a good watch over general health.

Routine health checkups and periodic blood pressure measurements are critical at this stage, which is what most people miss doing firsthand.

Unlike people with hyper or hypotension, you don’t need to actively regulate your blood pressure; however, passive efforts to indirectly keep it under control shall be followed.

Water pills and diuretics are sometimes recommended by doctors after assessing the electrolyte concentration in your body. However, in most cases, you may also don’t want it.

If you are a little lazy to hit the gym for your cardio, then we have included some products in the dietary supplement class that you can consider. 

4. Diet check for 100/62 blood pressure

Your blood pressure and overall health are directly related to the type of food consumed daily.

Therefore, if you were to keep your dietary habits in a firm check and eat healthy meals, that would significantly contribute to your overall health. It will be good for your body as well as your mind

Following are some of the facts that you should take into account before planning your diet:

• Regulate the consumption of sodium salts: Sodium is an important nutrient for the human body. And the concentration of this salt has a direct impact on your blood pressure. By regulating its intake, you can maintain your blood pressure.
• Caffeine: Caffeine-related products contribute to increasing the blood pressure of a person. If the consumption of these products is not kept in check, it may lead to high blood pressure.
• Drink plenty of water: Keep yourself hydrated all the time. This will help maintain the level of fluids and salt in your body.
• Alcohol: High consumption of alcohol can lead to low blood pressure. Besides this, the consumption of alcohol in excess can not serve any good purpose as it dehydrates your body rather rapidly.
• Herbs and spices: Support the intake of herbs and spices that will help maintain your ideal blood pressure. Many natural herbs can serve that purpose.
• Supplements: Do not hesitate to opt for natural supplements if your body lacks nutrients or minerals of any kind. Besides, these are the first things that physiotherapists advise individuals who suffer from problems in blood pressure because of a lack of minerals.

5. Do I need more tests for my heart?

100/62 is a perfect value that one might want to see when their blood pressure is being checked. Still, does it mean you are perfectly fine? Should you conduct more studies to get a conclusive stat regarding your heart health?

Technically speaking, a perfect blood pressure reading isn’t the ultimate predictor of heart health. In fact, some people undergoing a heat attack may show no change in blood pressure or even exhibit hypotension.

However, blood pressure reading, in most cases, is a direct estimator of heart health. But the problem is that only a variation in reading would denote a cardiovascular problem.

 This is why the physician opts for having an ECG or echocardiography in order to seek better clarity on your cardio health.

The above is often read in reference to your blood test reports and other health assessment parameters to draw a conclusion.

6. Natural supplements for your rescue

Sometimes managing blood pressure is all about supplementing your body with the right diet. Food is undoubtedly the best primary source to supplement your body.

However, in the current scenarios, we all know how much adultered our foodstuff is, and most of us are pushed towards processed foods to feed ourselves in this fast-paced world.

All these food are high in sugar and sodium and doesn’t contain any vital nutrients that are important for a healthy heart.

This is where some of the nutraceutical-based blood pressure supplements come in handy. These products combine all critical nutrients your heart craves, thereby assisting the better function of your cardiovascular system.

Generally, these supplements are a concoction of herbs, plant-based products, dairy products, and some animal products. They are 100% organic and natural and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

If you are hearing about these segments of products for the first time,  to start with, you may blindly go for Blood Pressure Support from Vita Balance Inc, Blood Pressure Optimizer from HFL, or Corsanum, marketed by PLT Group.

The only one thing to keep in mind is that choose the best blood pressure supplement, because when it comes to the heart, there is no taking of risk!

So having an 100/62 is the ideal blood pressure, and you can keep doing whatever you have been doing so far.

You may now know the thrust areas of health to focus on and some diet plans that you may want to befriend.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the blood pressure, and what are the normal values?

Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted by the blood flowing through arteries over those. Alongside that, this is the efficiency with which the blood is pumped by the heart to all the parts of the body through the circulatory system.

The normal values for blood pressure are between [90/60] and [120/80]. If a person has a blood pressure equivalent to this much, then it means that the blood will be flowing through the arteries relatively easily.

2. What is considered to be high blood pressure?

Blood pressure over the value of [130/80] is considered high blood pressure. This signifies that high pressure is being exerted by the blood flowing through the vessels over those.

And therefore, it is difficult for the human heart to be able to pump blood to all the parts of the body rather efficiently. This is a problem that can arise when the size of the vessels is contracted compared to the original size.

3. What is considered to be low blood pressure?

A blood pressure lesser than the value of [90/60] is termed low blood pressure. This type of value means that low pressure is put forward by the blood over the vessels that are carrying it. It can also be taken as a measure that, the blood is not able to reach all the parts of the body.

Or, the heart is not capable of circulating blood to all the parts of the body in an effective way. This problem in blood pressure is mainly the effect of dehydration and pregnancy.

4. What are hypertension and hypotension? Are they both the same as high and low blood pressure?

Hypertension is the condition that emerges when a person is having high blood pressure. Because of contraction in vessels, the blood can not flow through the vessels efficiently, and therefore, high pressure is exerted over the blood vessels, this particular condition is high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.

Hypotension is the condition that comes into effect when the blood pressure of a person is lower compared to the ideal value of blood pressure. This means that the heart is unable to pump blood through the blood vessels to all the body parts. This type of situation when observed is called low blood pressure, or hypotension.

5. What will happen to your general health when you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure puts you at an imminent risk of arteries rupture because of the high pressure applied over those by the circulating blood. This can, in turn, affect the circulation of blood to all the parts of the body, and your heart itself. And, the latter part can lead you to some serious heart diseases. The high pressure applied over the heart walls can put you close to the risk of heart attack and heart failure.

6. What causes high blood pressure and low blood pressure?

The medical conditions of high blood pressure and low blood pressure are both effects of the lifestyle that we lead. This means that if we adapt to a lifestyle that is in line with our body and overall physical fitness, then we will have ideal blood pressure.

But, if our lifestyle is deviated from what we had started, some medical conditions can arise. High blood pressure and low blood pressure are some of those problems.

7. What are the risks of having high blood pressure?

The most serious risk that is faced by an individual that is suffering from high blood pressure is the risk of heart attack, heart failure, or some chronic disease related to the heart.

Moreover, there are also the additional risks of strokes, vision loss, diabetes, kidney failure, unresponsiveness to external stimuli, chronic chest pain, artery damage, and vascular dementia.

8. What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

To lower your blood pressure, the foremost step should be to limit the intake of sodium salts. Then, it will be good for you to opt for a healthy lifestyle; eat healthy meals and exercise daily. Try to maintain your weight to healthy proportions. Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine-related beverages, and quit smoking.

Also, you need to have an adequate amount of rest every day and keep your stress and anxiety in proper check. If you continue to face high blood pressure problems even after making these changes in your lifestyle, it will be good for you to consult with a physiotherapist to discuss your blood pressure medications.

9. What are the risks of having low blood pressure?

The harmful effects that are associated with low blood pressure are not as prominent as what is associated with high blood pressure, but they can serve to be just as much harmful in the long run. Low blood pressure can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion for a prolonged period.

This is a condition that can make you weak physically as well as mentally. Low blood pressure leads to a depletion in the effectiveness of motor senses, and the subject is likely to faint from time to time. This condition can also lead to blurred vision and can damage peripheral nerves over a long time.

10. What can I do to increase my blood pressure?

Increase the usage of table salts in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Limit your intake of alcohol as it is a dehydrating agent. Increase your diet by taking small meals multiple times with low carbs. Exercise daily and try to take up a lifestyle that will be good for your health and physical well-being.

Try to maintain a body weight that will be good as per your physical stature and age. Avoid changing positions abruptly, and wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs. Also, consult a physiotherapist regarding your medications for low blood pressure.

11. Can smoking and alcohol affect my blood pressure?

Smoking and alcohol have an active impact on the blood pressure levels of an individual. These can lead to an effective change in the size of arteries that carry blood to all the parts of the body.

Heavy intake of alcohol can increase blood pressure in individuals to a significantly high level and this can even lead to long-term blood pressure issues in the individual. On the other hand, smoking is as bad as it can be. It leads to the contraction of blood vessels, which increases the pressure of blood over the heart walls. This puts you at risk of heart disease.

12. How to correctly check my blood pressure at home?

If you want to check your blood pressure at home, you can use portable blood pressure monitors to do so. These are highly adaptable and can help provide you with your blood pressure levels closest to accurate.

But if you are seeking precision in the readings, then it will be good if you were to follow certain measures. For once, avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol before taking the reading. And, have a proper rest of nearly 10 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.

13. Why is it important to visit a doctor to confirm high/low blood pressure?

It is important to visit a doctor regarding blood pressure for the sake of the precision of the outcome or the result of the readings. Moreover, in a proper medical facility and care of professionals, you will be able to get guidance about how to keep your blood pressure in check if it is not per your ideal blood pressure.

Also, you can get a consultation regarding the changes that you will need to make in your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure back in check.

14. Should you be worried about high blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure during the latter half of the pregnancy is not that rare of an occurrence. However, it is not something to make light of either. If not treated properly, or significant steps are not taken regarding it, this high blood pressure may pose danger to the health of the parent as well as the baby.

This type of high blood pressure or hypertension is called gestational hypertension, and it is not long-lasting. It goes away after the delivery of the baby.

15. What are some of the symptoms to watch out for in high blood pressure?

The symptoms of high blood pressure are not something that can be ignored readily. These symptoms include severe headache, anxiety attacks, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, blood spots in the eyes, intense fatigue, blurred or distorted vision, and vomiting or nausea. These symptoms are not something to be taken lightly.

High blood pressure is not an incurable problem, but measures are needed to be taken against it in the due time. So, don’t make light of the symptoms and consult a physiotherapist regarding these.

16. What foods should you eat to lower blood pressure?

To lower blood pressure eat a diet that is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Besides this, it is good to take short meals that are low in curbs. Instead of deep-fried products, it will be good if you were to incline towards a diet that is mainly consisting of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables.

Consume lots of low-fat poultry and dairy products. These will help enable a healthy diet for you and help you lean towards a healthy lifestyle.

17. What are the best herbs and spices for high blood pressure?

Many known herbs and spices are proven to have a significant effect on high blood pressure. Significantly, basil, parsley, Chinese cat’s claw, celery seeds, Brahmi, thyme, garlic, and ginger are the herbs that are most commonly made use of by people that are suffering from high blood pressure. Along with these, cardamom, cloves, ajwain, green oat, and flaxseeds are the spices that help manage high blood pressure.

References:

1. Borjesson M, Onerup A, Lundqvist S, Dahlof B. Physical activity and exercise lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension: Narrative review of 27 RCTs. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(6):356-361. doi:10.1136/BJSPORTS-2015-095786
2. High blood pressure (hypertension) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 10, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373417
3. Lloyd-Jones DM, Allen NB, Anderson CAM, et al. Life’s Essential 8: Updating and Enhancing the American Heart Association’s Construct of Cardiovascular Health: A Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022;146(5):E18-E43. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001078
4. Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139(25):E1082-E1143. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625
5. Brenner J, LeBlang S, Lizotte-Waniewski M, et al. Mindfulness with paced breathing reduces blood pressure. Med Hypotheses. 2020;142. doi:10.1016/J.MEHY.2020.109780
6. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical practice guidelines. Hypertension. 2018;71(6):E13-E115. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
7. Chernova I, Krishnan N. Resistant Hypertension Updated Guidelines. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2019;21(10). doi:10.1007/S11886-019-1209-6
8. Agasthi P, Shipman J, Arsanjani R, et al. Renal Denervation for Resistant Hypertension in the contemporary era: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1). doi:10.1038/S41598-019-42695-9
9. Flynn JT, Kaelber DC, Baker-Smith CM, et al. Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017;140(3). doi:10.1542/PEDS.2017-1904
10. Muntner P, Shimbo D, Carey RM, et al. Measurement of blood pressure in humans: A scientific statement from the american heart association. Hypertension. 2019;73(5):E35-E66. doi:10.1161/HYP.000000000000008

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Understanding Blood Pressure (BP) Readings

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How is blood pressure measured? And what does systolic and diastolic pressure mean? Cardiologist Associate Professor Calvin Chin from the National Heart Centre Singapore explains.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the force of the body’s blood pushing against the inner walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. Each time the heart contracts, it pumps blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure doesn’t stay constant throughout the day. It is lowest when you’re sleeping, and rises when you get up and start moving about. It can also go up when you are excited, nervous or physically active.

What is Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?

Systolic pressure refers to the blood pressure in the arteries that results when your heart contracts or beats, pushing blood out. When your heart relaxes between beats, blood pressure in the arteries falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic blood pressure can increase with age as a result of stiffening arteries.

Blood Pressure Readings: What’s Normal and When is it High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure (BP) readings are expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure (the first number or numerator), over the diastolic pressure (the second number or denominator). A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is expressed verbally as 120 over 80.

A healthy blood pressure reading should be lower than 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg in a healthy young woman. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure.

Notes:

1. When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).

2. *Isolated systolic hypertension is graded according to the same level of systolic BP.

Measuring Blood Pressure at Home

You can measure your own blood pressure at home with a digital blood pressure device that can be purchased at most pharmacies. Read the instructions carefully. You may wish to calibrate your reading with your family doctor. The right time to take the measurement is when you are at rest.

Some tips that will help ensure the accuracy of your blood pressure reading include:

• Sitting in a comfortable position

• Placing your left arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table or desk, and sit still

• Wrapping the cuff of the monitor smoothly and snugly around the upper part of your bare arm

Fun Facts About Blood Pressure Readings

Researchers from the Center for Health Research and Rural Advocacy at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania have found that time of day and time of year can influence blood pressure readings by as much as 40 percent.

In addition, blood pressure also fluctuates with physical activity and emotional state. It may help make your results more comparable if you measure your blood pressure at the same time every day, under resting conditions and on more than one occasion.

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This article was last reviewed on
Monday, December 17, 2018

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High Blood Pressure: Understanding Blood Pressure (BP) Readings

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Popular questions to the cardiologist | Moscow

Question 1

Whatever happens, we nod at the pressure: headache, dark eyes, you just feel lethargic. Is it possible to determine for yourself whether it is naughty pressure or symptoms of another disease? How to learn to feel your comfortable pressure, because the tonometer is not always there?

Surprisingly, by themselves increases in blood pressure, as a rule, are asymptomatic. However, there is indeed an opinion that there are certain “wake-up calls” of increased pressure – headaches, tinnitus and so on. In the vast majority of cases, these are either concurrent conditions or have an inverse relationship (for example, a headache or increased anxiety can lead to an increase in pressure, but not vice versa).

At the same time, you need to understand that, like any chronic disease, arterial hypertension can lead to a whole group of non-specific complaints (weakness, constant fatigue) due to a negative impact on the work of other organs (heart, eyes, kidneys, brain) .

Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine the increase in pressure without a tonometer, therefore, if there is any doubt about your health, you need to measure blood pressure and pulse.

Question 2

How often should you check your blood pressure if it doesn’t bother you?

As mentioned earlier, an increase in pressure is an asymptomatic process. Absolutely healthy and young (under 40 years old) people do not need any special screenings. It is enough to have an annual dispensary examination and pressure measurements, which should ideally be carried out at every appointment with a doctor of any specialty.

However, there are a number of comorbid conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular events. These include male sex, smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight (so at least once a month it is advisable to stand on the scales, and once every few years – to measure height), increased blood sugar, cholesterol, and the presence of any cardiovascular problems (including strokes!) in blood relatives under the age of 60 years. Patients with these risk factors are advised to undergo a more detailed cardiac examination at least once a year to prevent possible complications early.

Question 3

The doctor diagnoses hypertension. Is it drug therapy for life? What you need to know about your illness and what can affect its course without crises?

In most cases proven essential hypertension does imply continuous drug therapy. Sometimes it is possible to delay the start of treatment at an early stage through lifestyle interventions. First of all, this is a decrease in body weight, an increase in regular physical activity, normalization of nutrition, smoking cessation, compliance with the work / rest regimen.

The first thing you need to know about your illness is that it is an illness. Like any other disease, hypertension requires adequate treatment and prevention. A negligent attitude towards one’s condition from the category “everyone has pressure and nothing” or “I have 150/100 and I feel good”, unfortunately, leads to sad consequences.

A small note: not every increase in pressure is called a crisis. A crisis is any increase in pressure, accompanied by an acute lesion of the so-called target organs: a sudden deterioration in neurological functions, vision, severe shortness of breath or pain in the heart area, increasing edema, urinary retention. The vast majority of pressure increases do not require urgent action, since the benefit of episodic pressure reduction has not been proven. At the same time, there is a risk of negative consequences from such a decrease.

Question 4

If there is a crisis, what emergency measures can you take yourself before the ambulance arrives?

If, in addition to an increase in pressure (no matter to what level), formidable symptoms occur, then this is definitely an emergency situation that requires immediate hospitalization! Therefore, the tactic “it will pass by itself” is completely inappropriate here. The remaining increases in pressure (which are the majority) do not require urgent intervention.

If terrifying pressure figures appear on the tonometer, first of all, do not panic. It’s not a terrible disaster. Check the correctness of the pressure measurement, whether there was sufficient rest after physical exertion, whether there is any stressful situation, whether you have smoked recently.

Blood pressure should be measured with the blood pressure monitor with a comfortable sized shoulder cuff at least 5-7 minutes after the cessation of physical activity. If you are physically inactive and the body is not trained, then it is better to extend the rest period. It is advisable to take measurements in a sitting position, in a comfortable position, without a tight belt and keep your legs parallel to each other, resting on the floor, and not crosswise. The cuff should be applied directly to the skin and no talking should be done during the measurement. Several consecutive measurements should be taken. Ideal are 3 measurements taken at intervals of 1-2 minutes.

Was the pressure measured correctly? Does the increase still hold? If you are already taking any medications for hypertension, then carefully check whether they were taken accurately. Then check again. If the drugs were taken (or not prescribed), then ventilate the room, sit quietly for 30-40 minutes and think about how soon you can go to the doctor for an examination.

Remember that by calling an ambulance for any asymptomatic increase in pressure, you may inadvertently condemn another person who is in critical condition to a longer wait for help.

P . S . Special categories of patients, for example, pregnant women, require a more rigorous approach and urgent measures, even with an asymptomatic increase in pressure.

Question 5

Hypotension – hypotensive patients always complain of a lack of strength and energy. How can this be compensated?

Hypotensive patients do not always complain about lack of strength and energy))

If blood pressure is habitually low, no specific measures should be taken. It is usually quite enough to maintain regular physical activity, possibly correcting nutrition, which is important for lovers of torturing diets. In the event of dizziness, fainting or fainting against the background of a decrease in pressure, it is better to consult a doctor and, after a basic diagnosis, determine measures to prevent these episodes. You need to understand that such non-specific complaints as a lack of strength and energy may indicate the presence of some kind of disease, so you should definitely consult a doctor.

Question 6

Is the effect of coffee on blood pressure really that great? Or is it a myth?

There are different points of view about coffee and caffeine. Usually, all patients are advised to refrain from drinking coffee. On the one hand, many studies do show an increase in blood pressure response to caffeine administration or coffee consumption, but these increases were not significant. On the other hand, in observational studies of people who drink coffee constantly or occasionally, no significant changes in pressure and the risk of developing hypertension have been shown. Moreover, a number of studies point to the positive effect of coffee on the cardiovascular system.

To answer the question “can I drink coffee” you need to do a simple test: drink a cup of coffee (with caffeine) and take pressure and pulse measurements 3 times every 30 minutes (according to the rules indicated above). If the pressure has grown by 10 mm Hg. or more, you are likely sensitive to caffeine and should limit your intake of coffee or other caffeinated products. In other cases, follow the rules for the adequate use of any products. For example, the optimal amount of coffee can be considered two coffee cups per day (200 mg of caffeine). It is better to give preference to grain coffee, not instant. You should not abuse “energy” drinks, which usually have a very high concentration of caffeine (30 mg per 100 ml).

Question 7

A separate topic is the connection between the change of weather and our pressure. What is weather dependence? Is it possible to somehow foresee the deterioration of one’s condition and stop the attack, prevent it from starting?

Meteorological dependence is a myth that is instilled in people all over the world from birth. After all, it is better to put all the blame on the weather, and not on your own lifestyle. Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure (within the framework of ordinary life, and not extreme loads), flares on the Sun, changes in the Earth’s geomagnetic background do not affect well-being in any way. Sudden changes in temperature can affect pressure, for example, leaving a warm room in the cold in light clothing, but cooling and warming, which are mentioned in the weather forecast, cannot be the causes of pressure fluctuations. Sometimes pressure indicators can be influenced by an emotional reaction to what is happening outside the window, but not by weather conditions.

Question 8

Is it possible to change from hypotensive to hypertensive or vice versa during life? Why does this happen?

A gradual transition from hypotension to hypertension is observed in almost all people with essential hypertension. There is still no definite answer to the question why this is happening. Here, genetic factors, the influence of lifestyle, past diseases and much more are mixed. Therefore, in most cases, “finding the cause of hypertension”, as patients often ask, is impossible.

The transition from hypertension to hypotension is possible for several reasons. For example, with the so-called secondary hypertension, when the increase in pressure is caused by renal, endocrinological or other diseases. In this case, the pressure normalizes when the underlying disease is cured. The use of drugs for hypertension also leads to a decrease in pressure. Sometimes excessive intake of drugs gives too strong a hypotensive effect, which requires correction of therapy under the supervision of a doctor. It is possible to develop hypotension as a consequence of the progression of a number of diseases, for example, heart failure or neurodegenerative diseases. In any case, it is necessary to contact a specialist and discuss possible causes and measures for diagnosis and treatment.