What does a blood pressure reading of 110/55 indicate. How can low blood pressure affect your health. What are effective ways to manage and treat hypotension. What lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can help improve low blood pressure.

Decoding a 110/55 Blood Pressure Reading

A blood pressure reading of 110/55 mmHg is classified as low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. This measurement indicates that the systolic pressure (the force exerted when the heart contracts) is 110 mmHg, while the diastolic pressure (the force when the heart relaxes between beats) is 55 mmHg. Normal blood pressure typically ranges between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg, making 110/55 below the ideal range.

Why is low blood pressure a concern? When blood pressure drops too low, it can lead to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, potentially causing dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, organ damage. However, it’s important to note that some individuals naturally have lower blood pressure without experiencing symptoms or health issues.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hypotension

Several factors can contribute to low blood pressure:

• Dehydration
• Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, antidepressants)
• Heart problems
• Endocrine disorders
• Pregnancy
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Prolonged bed rest
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Can age influence blood pressure levels? Yes, age can play a role in blood pressure. Older adults are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops suddenly when standing up from a sitting or lying position.

Recognizing Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Identifying the signs of hypotension is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting (syncope)
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Depression or anxiety

Is it possible to have low blood pressure without experiencing symptoms? Indeed, some individuals may have chronically low blood pressure without any noticeable symptoms, a condition often referred to as asymptomatic hypotension.

Diagnostic Approaches for Hypotension

Accurate diagnosis of low blood pressure involves more than a single reading. Healthcare professionals typically employ the following methods:

1. Multiple blood pressure measurements over time
2. Detailed medical history review
3. Physical examination
4. Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function
6. Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure and function
7. Stress tests to observe blood pressure changes during physical activity
8. Tilt table test for orthostatic hypotension

How often should blood pressure be monitored in individuals with hypotension? For those diagnosed with low blood pressure, regular monitoring is essential. Daily measurements at home and periodic check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track trends and adjust treatment as needed.

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Low Blood Pressure

Implementing lifestyle changes can significantly improve blood pressure levels:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Increase salt intake: Consult with a doctor about adding more salt to your diet
• Eat small, frequent meals: This can prevent post-meal blood pressure drops
• Stand up slowly: Rise gradually from sitting or lying positions
• Wear compression stockings: These can help improve blood flow
• Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity to improve circulation
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can lead to dehydration and lower blood pressure
• Avoid prolonged standing: Take breaks and move around to promote blood flow

Can specific exercises help in managing low blood pressure? Yes, certain exercises can be beneficial. Isometric exercises, such as wall squats or hand grips, can help raise blood pressure temporarily. Additionally, exercises that focus on leg and core strength can improve circulation and prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities.

Dietary Approaches to Combat Hypotension

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing blood pressure. Consider incorporating these dietary strategies:

• Increase fluid intake: Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Consume more salt: Under medical supervision, increase sodium intake
• Eat potassium-rich foods: Bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens can help regulate blood pressure
• Include caffeine: Moderate caffeine consumption can temporarily boost blood pressure
• Opt for small, frequent meals: This helps maintain steady blood sugar levels
• Increase B-vitamin intake: Foods rich in B12 and folate can support healthy blood pressure
• Consider licorice tea: It may help raise blood pressure (consult a doctor first)

Are there specific foods to avoid with low blood pressure? While increasing certain nutrients is beneficial, it’s also important to limit foods that can lower blood pressure further. These include alcohol, highly processed foods, and excessive carbohydrates that can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Some supplements may help in managing low blood pressure:

• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid
• Iron (for anemia-related hypotension)
• Ginseng
• Licorice root (under medical supervision)

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as some may interact with medications or have side effects.

Medical Treatments for Persistent Hypotension

When lifestyle changes and dietary modifications aren’t sufficient, medical interventions may be necessary:

• Fludrocortisone: Helps increase blood volume
• Midodrine: Constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure
• Droxidopa: Used for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
• Pyridostigmine: Can help with blood pressure regulation
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: For anemia-related hypotension

How do these medications work to increase blood pressure? These medications typically work by either increasing blood volume, constricting blood vessels, or enhancing the body’s natural blood pressure regulation mechanisms. The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause of hypotension and individual patient factors.

Potential Complications of Untreated Low Blood Pressure

While many cases of low blood pressure are benign, persistent untreated hypotension can lead to serious complications:

• Falls and injuries due to fainting
• Cognitive decline in older adults
• Cardiovascular problems
• Kidney dysfunction
• Shock (in severe cases)

Can chronic low blood pressure lead to long-term organ damage? Yes, if left untreated, chronic hypotension can potentially cause damage to organs due to inadequate blood supply over time. The brain, heart, and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to the effects of prolonged low blood pressure.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain symptoms associated with low blood pressure warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or disorientation
• Blurred vision
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Signs of shock (cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing, blue lips)

Living with Low Blood Pressure: Tips for Daily Management

Adapting to life with hypotension requires mindfulness and proactive strategies:

• Keep a blood pressure diary to track patterns
• Wear medical alert jewelry
• Inform family and friends about your condition
• Avoid triggers like hot showers or standing for long periods
• Plan activities around your symptoms
• Stay cool in hot weather
• Elevate the head of your bed slightly

How can one maintain an active lifestyle with low blood pressure? Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can actually help improve circulation and blood pressure regulation. Start slowly and gradually increase intensity, always listening to your body and stopping if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Psychological Aspects of Managing Hypotension

Living with chronic low blood pressure can have psychological impacts:

• Anxiety about potential fainting episodes
• Frustration with activity limitations
• Depression due to chronic symptoms
• Stress from ongoing medical management

Seeking support through counseling or support groups can be beneficial in coping with these challenges.

Research and Future Directions in Hypotension Treatment

Ongoing research in the field of hypotension is exploring new avenues for treatment and management:

• Novel pharmacological approaches
• Wearable devices for continuous blood pressure monitoring
• Personalized treatment strategies based on genetic factors
• Investigation of the gut microbiome’s role in blood pressure regulation
• Advanced interventions for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

What promising developments are on the horizon for hypotension treatment? Emerging research is focusing on targeted therapies that address specific underlying causes of low blood pressure. Additionally, advancements in wearable technology may soon allow for more precise, real-time blood pressure monitoring and management.

Participating in Clinical Trials

For individuals interested in contributing to hypotension research or accessing cutting-edge treatments, participating in clinical trials may be an option. Consult with your healthcare provider about potential opportunities and whether you might be a suitable candidate for ongoing studies.

Managing a blood pressure of 110/55 requires a comprehensive approach, combining lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and potentially medical interventions. By working closely with healthcare providers and staying informed about the condition, individuals with hypotension can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s essential to develop a personalized management plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Blood Pressure 110/55: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 110/55 indicates that you are having a LOW BLOOD PRESSURE which can be an immediate health crisis if the levels are too low.

This article tells you:

• What does a 110/55 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 110/55 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 110/55 blood pressure.

The blood pressure value of 110/55 specifies the fact that the individual in question is suffering from low blood pressure or hypotension.

This is the medical condition that arises when the value of readings for the blood pressure of a person is less than [90/60].

The ideal blood pressure for an individual is between [90/60] and [120/80]. But for any reason, if the blood pressure falls below the specified readings, then the person can be said to be suffering from hypotension.

The medical condition of hypotension means that the pressure exercised by the blood flowing through the vessels over those is lower than the expected value.

And the same can be said in terms of the heart pumping blood to all the parts of the body. Low BP indicates that the heart is not able to pump blood to all the body parts to the extent that has been termed as necessary. And therefore, more complicated medical problems arise because of Low BP.

The effects or symptoms of these problems are not visible in the overall health of an individual. But these do certainly affect the individual in more ways than just one.

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 110/55.

If your blood is 110/55 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 110/55 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.

Even the small changes that you make in your life can lead to having a really impressive effect on your overall health. And, the same can be said regarding the problem of low blood pressure.

If you choose to make reasonable changes in your lifestyle, you can improve your blood pressure to a significant level.

Here are some of the changes that you can bring into your lifestyle to improve your health and your blood pressure level:

You do not need to hesitate from consulting with a physiotherapist about the problems that you are having. Through a relationship of mutual trust, you will be able to get a prescription that will be best suited for your body and overall health.

Following are the prescribed medicines that are greatly helpful for people suffering from low blood pressure.

There are significant changes that you can see in your health if you were to eat healthily every day. And particularly in the case of hypotension, you should know what to eat and what not to.

Some of the comorbidities associated with low blood pressure include heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart valve disorder, bradycardia, and hormonal imbalance.

When you have 110/55, the above-mentioned comorbidities may follow; if correctly, medical attention is not sought.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to treat your hypotension, get it back to a normal level of 120/80 and maintain it.

Even stress is linked to hypotension in some patients. Since the human body reacts differently to different situations, not necessarily depression and anxiety lead to hypertension, but hypotension too. 

This is why it is important to get medical attention rather than treating yourself so that the root cause will be rectified and corrected.

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 supplement that promote healthy blood pressure, because when it comes to the heart, there is no taking of risk!

Low Blood Pressure or hypotension is not a problem to be made light of. If done so, it will only lead to more complications shortly. Rather than disregarding this problem, consulting with a professional physiotherapist will do you no harm.

Together, you can come up with the best solutions for you, especially when your blood pressure reading is 110/55.

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.

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110/55 blood pressure – is it good or bad?

Home > Resources > Blood pressure lookup > 110/55

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout your life is one of the most important things you can do for long-term health and longevity. Whether you’re looking up a blood pressure of 110/55 for yourself or a loved one or simply out of your own curiosity, you’re taking the right steps by being informed and empowering yourself or someone else to be their own best advocate.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 110/55 would be considered
hypotension, or low blood pressure. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is defined by a systolic reading (the top number) of less than 90 or a diastolic reading (the bottom number) of less than 60. Low blood pressure generally isn’t considered an issue unless it causes symptoms (such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting) or unless it drops suddenly.

Okay, now you know how to classify a blood pressure of 110/55, but now what do you do with that information? Read on to learn more or look up another blood pressure reading.

What is a good blood pressure reading?

According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is lower than 120/80. While there is no specific number for low blood pressure, most experts say blood pressure is too low when it causes symptoms or drops suddenly. In general, though, low blood pressure can be considered anything under 90/60.

More information about a blood pressure reading of 110/55

A blood pressure reading of 110/55 is pronounced “110 over 55.” You may also see it written colloquially as 110/55 bp.

In a blood pressure reading of 110/55, 110 is called the systolic number and 55 is called the diastolic number. Systolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries, and diastolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. You may also hear the systolic and diastolic numbers referred to as the top number and the bottom number.

Systolic and diastolic readings are measured in mmHg, which is a unit of pressure equal to the pressure that can support a column of mercury 1 millimeter high. Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury. For a blood pressure reading of 110/55, you would pronounce it “110 over 55 millimeters of mercury.”

How do you measure blood pressure?

In a doctor’s office, blood pressure is traditionally taken manually by a doctor or nurse with a sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument with an inflatable cuff and pressure meter or dial. The sphygmomanometer is placed snugly around the upper arm and is inflated by hand, and the doctor or nurse listens to the brachial artery with a stethoscope as they gradually reduce the pressure of the cuff. When the whooshing sound of blood is first heard through the stethoscope, the doctor or nurse makes note of the reading on the pressure meter. This indicates the systolic blood pressure reading. When the sound disappears, the reading on the pressure meter indicates the diastolic pressure reading.

Blood pressure can also be taken at home using a number of a digital devices. They typically consist of an inflatable cuff and digital display and simply work by placing the cuff around the upper arm and pressing a button, after which the cuff inflatess, deflates, and displays a reading. The most popular blood pressure machines for home use are made by Omron, Beurer, and Paramed, amongst many others.

One thing to keep in mind is that blood pressure can vary by time of day and activity level, so if you’re taking it at home it’s important to check it around the same time each day and rest for a few minutes ahead of time to limit as many variables as possible. It can also be affected by eating.

Blood pressure tends to rise in the hours before waking and then drop in the afternoon and evening before dropping to its lowest point while sleeping, so one popular recommendation is to check it just after waking up and just before bed to identify trends in how it varies from morning until night. Because of this, you might find that if your blood pressure is 110/55 in the morning, it might be lower before bed, and vice versa. Of course, these are just general rules of thumb and may vary by the individual.

Relevant HSA expenses

If you have an HSA as part of your health insurance plan, you’ll be pleased to find that blood pressure monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and wrist blood pressure monitors are all eligible, including smart blood pressure monitors like the offerings from Qardio and Withings.

How the heck do you pronounce sphygmomanometer?

Sphygmomanometer is pronounced sfig-moh-muh-‘nah-mi-ter. Easy!

Explore blood pressure readings similar to 110/55

The following table shows related blood pressure readings because sometimes just one number can make all the difference.

Please note that if a field is blank, it’s not an accident—it simply means a record doesn’t exist for that particular blood pressure. This could be because going forward or backward would create a blood pressure reading that wouldn’t make sense, or because that blood pressure simply doesn’t exist in our records.

Sources

• Understanding blood pressure readings – American Heart Association
• High blood pressure – Mayo Clinic
• Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring – Mayo Clinic
• Blood pressure – Wikipedia
• How to pronounce sphygmomanometer – Dictionary. com

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended to be an educational reference and is not to be taken as medical advice. If you think you’re having a hypertensive or hypotensive emergency, or if you’re having any kind of medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Reading blood pressure readings

The only way to know if you have high or low blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure. Understanding your results is the key to controlling your blood pressure.

• Systolic Blood Pressure (First or top number) is the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries.
• Diastolic blood pressure (Second or lower number) – shows the pressure in the arteries at the time of relaxation of the heart muscle, it reflects the resistance of the peripheral vessels.

Which number is more important?

Systolic blood pressure (first number) is generally given more attention as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over 50 years of age. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the loss of elasticity of large arteries, an increase in heart rate, and the development of vascular disease.

However, elevated systolic or elevated diastolic blood pressure can be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. The risk of death from coronary heart disease and stroke doubles with an increase in systolic pressure of 20 mm Hg. Art. or diastolic at 10 mm Hg. Art. among people aged 40 to 89 years.

Blood pressure ranges

In our country, the standards of the European Society for the Study of Hypertension are followed, there are also recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2020, which established the following ranges of numbers:

• Normal – systolic blood pressure less than 120-129 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure less than 80-85 mmHg.
• Highly normal – systolic BP 130-139 mmHg, diastolic BP 85-89 mmHg.
• 1 degree – 140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg.
• 2 degree – 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg.
• 3 degree – more than 180/110 mm Hg.

Note: Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician. Hypertension is a disease or diagnosis, and hypertension is the fact of increased pressure. The doctor may also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings and associated symptoms.

Normal pressure

• Optimal blood pressure – SBP less than 120 mm Hg. Art. and/or DBP less than 80 mm Hg. Art.
• Normal blood pressure – pressure in the SBP range of 120-129 mmHg. Art. and/or DBP 80–84 mm Hg. Art.

If your results fall into this category, stick to heart-healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is when readings are consistently above 140 mmHg for systolic and for diastolic more than 90 mmHg Art. Measures must be taken to control this condition.

Grade 1 hypertension

Grade 1 hypertension is when blood pressure constantly fluctuates systolic within 140–159 and/or diastolic above 90–99 mmHg. Art. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and may consider taking blood pressure medication. What you do next depends on your risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart attack or stroke, and your risk factors.

Hypertension 2nd and 3rd degree

2nd degree hypertension is when the blood pressure is constantly at the level of 160/100 mm Hg. or higher. During these stages of high blood pressure, doctors may prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and recommend immediate lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure reading suddenly goes over 180/120 mmHg. Art., wait five minutes, and then check your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. Perhaps you have a hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is over 180/120 mm Hg. Art. and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking, do not expect pressure relief. Call 103

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Most doctors consider chronic low blood pressure to be dangerous only if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Dehydration and unusual thirst
• Lack of concentration
• Blurred vision
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Fast breathing
• Fatigue
• Depression

A single abnormal blood pressure reading is not a cause for concern unless you are experiencing any other symptoms.

Why blood pressure is measured in mmHg. Art.

Abbreviation mmHg Art. means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges, and the unit is still used in medicine today as the standard unit for measuring pressure.

What lower blood pressure shows: what does lower blood pressure mean in a person

What does low blood pressure mean for a person and how to measure it correctly? Doctors explain

• 1. What is pressure?
• 2. Why do we need two indicators?
• 3. What should be the lower pressure?
• 4. What does it mean if the difference is more than normal?
• 5. What if the difference is less than normal?
• 6. When should I measure pressure?
• 7. How to measure blood pressure at home?
• 8. What else to read about health?

1

What is pressure?

Blood pressure (also known as blood pressure) is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. When measuring it, two types are determined: with each heartbeat, blood pressure fluctuates between the largest (systolic) and the smallest (diastolic). In colloquial speech, they are called upper and lower.

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2

Why do we need two indicators?

High and low pressure separation is more for doctors than for patients. But doctors do not separate them from each other, so there is no need to memorize or evaluate separately the numbers of the lower pressure – they are associated with the numbers of the upper one.

– The upper number – systolic blood pressure – shows the pressure in the arteries at the moment when the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries, it depends on the strength of the contraction of the heart, the resistance exerted by the walls of the blood vessels, and the number of heartbeats per unit time, – explains cardiologist Maria Benevskaya. – Therefore, in general, we can say that this indicator reflects the work of the heart, although, of course, other factors also take part in this process.

Maria Benevskaya – Associate Professor of the Department of Hospital Therapy named after. Academician P. E. Lukom Medical Faculty of the Russian National Research Medical University. N. I. Pirogova, candidate of medical sciences, cardiologist, therapist, doctor of functional diagnostics.

The lower number shows the pressure in the arteries at the moment of relaxation of the heart muscle, it reflects the tone of the peripheral vessels.

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What should the lower pressure be?

As we have already said, this number should not be considered on its own, but in the context of the upper pressure.

– The ideal difference between them is within 40-50 mm Hg. Art. That is, for example, 120 to 80, 100 to 60, 110 to 70. When a patient sees deviations in the lower pressure, for example, it is very low (40, 50, 30), then this is a reason to see a doctor, because this may indicate some kind of pathology, most often cardiological, says cardiologist Natalya Gulyaeva.

Natalya Gulyaeva — cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences.

High lower blood pressure indicates that vascular tone is increased, and this carries the risk of cardiovascular complications such as stroke.

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What does it mean if the difference is more than normal?

Natalya Gulyaeva says that low lower blood pressure can be not only in the case of cardiac pathology, but also in a person who is malnourished – hunger, illness (for example, with oncological pathology or severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract), dehydration. This may be due to the individual characteristics of the body, but in any case it is better to consult a doctor so as not to miss the disease.

— An increase in the difference may be due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, aggravated by malnutrition of the brain (most often vertebrobasilar insufficiency). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system lead to a weakening of cerebral blood flow. Hence the problems with upper and lower pressure in general, says Maria Benevskaya.

Often, low diastolic pressure, especially in elderly patients, may indicate valvular heart disease. Malformations (aortic stenosis with aortic valve insufficiency) and inflammatory heart disease (endocarditis), as well as myocardial infarction, can lead to damage to the heart valves.

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What if the difference is less than the norm?

A small difference may indicate the presence of atherosclerosis of the aorta (deposition of cholesterol in the largest vessel), damage to the kidney vessels, aortic aneurysm (pathological expansion of a separate section of the aorta with the possibility of rupture or dissection of the walls due to excessive load), anemia (decrease in hemoglobin level in the blood) and many other conditions.

And this is not the whole range of pathologies that affect this parameter, so a change in the indicator can be a wake-up call in order to pay attention to your health.

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When should I measure pressure?

A lot of symptoms can indicate that the pressure is not normal: general weakness, and an unmotivated feeling of malaise, fatigue, rapid pulse, unusual tachycardia, headaches, dizziness, a feeling of fainting, impaired vision, hearing.

“You need to pay attention to these symptoms at any age, even if a child complains of headache and weakness,” says Gulyaeva. – If there are no symptoms, you still need to see a doctor once a year, because failures can be asymptomatic, but lead to serious problems later. Smokers and those who have an irregular work schedule, constant lack of sleep need to be especially careful to monitor their blood vessels. I see from my patients that this is a huge contribution to the deterioration of health.

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How to measure blood pressure at home?

If you notice that your blood pressure readings are not normal, you should see a doctor, even if you do not have any other symptoms.