What does a blood pressure reading of 97/64 indicate. How can you maintain this ideal blood pressure level. What are the benefits of having optimal blood pressure. Why is it crucial to have a doctor diagnose your blood pressure.

Decoding the 97/64 Blood Pressure Reading

A blood pressure reading of 97/64 is considered perfectly normal and aligns with the guidelines set by the American Heart Association. But what exactly do these numbers mean?

The first number, 97, represents the systolic pressure – the force exerted on artery walls when the heart beats. The second number, 64, indicates the diastolic pressure – the force on artery walls between heartbeats. Together, they paint a picture of optimal cardiovascular health.

The Ideal Range

Blood pressure readings falling between 90/60 and 120/80 are generally considered ideal. A 97/64 reading comfortably sits within this range, indicating that the heart is functioning efficiently and the risk of heart disease is relatively low.

What Does This Mean for Your Health?

Having a blood pressure of 97/64 suggests that your lifestyle is well-supported by your body. Maintaining this level can help eliminate the risk of chronic heart disease and provide numerous health benefits.

• Protection against heart problems
• Indication of well-functioning endocrine glands
• Assistance in maintaining ideal body weight
• Reduced risk of heart and kidney failure
• Proper regulation of bodily minerals
• Decreased possibility of stroke

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While a home blood pressure reading of 97/64 is encouraging, it’s crucial to have this confirmed by a healthcare professional. Why is this step so important?

Medical experts recommend having your blood pressure checked in a clinical setting to ensure accuracy. Home setups, while convenient, can sometimes provide incorrect readings due to various factors:

• User error in reading the device
• Equipment malfunction
• Temporary physical or mental conditions affecting the reading

A doctor will typically assess your blood pressure over a period of 7-30 days to confirm its accuracy. This extended monitoring helps account for phenomena such as:

White Coat Hypertension

Some individuals may experience higher blood pressure readings in a medical setting due to anxiety, a condition known as white coat hypertension. How does this affect diagnosis?

White coat hypertension can lead to false high readings, potentially resulting in unnecessary treatment. By monitoring blood pressure over time and in different settings, doctors can distinguish between true hypertension and this temporary elevation.

Masked Hypertension

Conversely, masked hypertension occurs when an individual shows lower blood pressure in a clinical setting but higher pressure at home. Why is this phenomenon concerning?

Masked hypertension can lead to underdiagnosis of high blood pressure, leaving individuals at risk for cardiovascular complications. Regular home monitoring, combined with clinical assessments, helps identify this condition.

Maintaining Optimal Blood Pressure

Once you’ve confirmed your 97/64 blood pressure reading with a healthcare professional, the next step is maintaining this ideal level. What strategies can help you preserve your cardiovascular health?

1. Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals.
2. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
3. Salt Moderation: Limit your daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg.
4. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
5. Adequate Sleep: Strive for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
6. Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: If you drink, do so in moderation, and quit smoking if you currently do.

The Role of Natural Supplements

While a healthy lifestyle forms the foundation of blood pressure management, some individuals may benefit from natural supplements. Which supplements have shown promise in supporting cardiovascular health?

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Coenzyme Q10
• Garlic extract
• Magnesium
• Potassium

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as these can interact with medications or have side effects in some individuals.

The Importance of Regular Monitoring

Even with an ideal blood pressure of 97/64, ongoing monitoring remains crucial. Why should you continue to check your blood pressure regularly?

Blood pressure can fluctuate over time due to various factors, including age, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions. Regular monitoring allows you to:

• Detect any changes early
• Adjust your lifestyle habits as needed
• Identify potential health issues before they become serious
• Track the effectiveness of any interventions or treatments

Home Monitoring vs. Clinical Checks

While clinical blood pressure checks are essential, home monitoring can provide valuable additional information. How can you effectively incorporate home monitoring into your health routine?

Consider investing in a reliable home blood pressure monitor and follow these guidelines:

• Take readings at the same time each day
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
• Use the correct cuff size for your arm
• Take multiple readings and record the average
• Share your home readings with your healthcare provider

Understanding Blood Pressure Fluctuations

While a consistent reading of 97/64 is ideal, it’s normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. What factors can cause these variations?

• Physical activity
• Emotional stress
• Caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Time of day (blood pressure typically dips during sleep)
• Recent meals
• Full bladder

Understanding these normal fluctuations can help you interpret your readings more accurately and avoid unnecessary concern over temporary spikes or dips.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While minor fluctuations are normal, significant changes in blood pressure may warrant medical attention. What signs should prompt you to consult your healthcare provider?

• Consistent readings above 120/80 or below 90/60
• Sudden, severe headaches
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vision changes

Remember, these symptoms can indicate various health issues, not just blood pressure changes. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek professional medical advice.

The Link Between Blood Pressure and Overall Health

Maintaining an ideal blood pressure of 97/64 isn’t just about cardiovascular health – it’s intimately connected to your overall wellbeing. How does blood pressure impact other aspects of your health?

Cognitive Function

Research has shown a strong link between blood pressure and cognitive health. How does maintaining optimal blood pressure benefit your brain?

Keeping your blood pressure in the ideal range can help:

• Reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia
• Maintain healthy blood flow to the brain
• Support memory and cognitive function as you age

Kidney Health

Your kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, and in turn, your blood pressure affects kidney function. How does maintaining optimal blood pressure benefit your kidneys?

A blood pressure of 97/64 can help:

• Prevent damage to kidney blood vessels
• Reduce the risk of kidney disease
• Support efficient toxin removal from the body

Eye Health

The delicate blood vessels in your eyes are particularly sensitive to blood pressure changes. How does maintaining optimal blood pressure benefit your vision?

Keeping your blood pressure at 97/64 can help:

• Reduce the risk of retinopathy
• Prevent damage to optic nerves
• Support overall eye health and vision

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Blood Pressure

While genetics play a role in determining your blood pressure, lifestyle factors have a significant impact. What aspects of your daily life can influence your blood pressure readings?

Diet and Nutrition

Your food choices can have a profound effect on your blood pressure. What dietary strategies can help maintain your ideal 97/64 reading?

• Embrace the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
• Increase intake of potassium-rich foods
• Limit processed and high-sodium foods
• Incorporate heart-healthy fats like olive oil and avocados
• Stay hydrated with adequate water intake

Physical Activity

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. How can you incorporate more movement into your daily routine?

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
• Include both cardio and strength training in your regimen
• Take frequent breaks from sitting to move and stretch
• Consider activities like yoga or tai chi for stress reduction

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure. What techniques can help you manage stress and maintain your ideal 97/64 reading?

• Practice mindfulness meditation
• Engage in deep breathing exercises
• Pursue hobbies and activities you enjoy
• Maintain strong social connections
• Consider professional counseling if needed

The Role of Technology in Blood Pressure Management

Modern technology offers numerous tools to help you monitor and manage your blood pressure. How can you leverage these advancements to maintain your ideal 97/64 reading?

Smartphone Apps

Many apps are designed to help track blood pressure readings over time. What features should you look for in a blood pressure tracking app?

• Easy input of blood pressure readings
• Graphical representation of trends over time
• Reminders for regular measurements
• Option to share data with healthcare providers
• Integration with other health metrics like weight and activity levels

Wearable Devices

Some smartwatches and fitness trackers now offer blood pressure monitoring capabilities. How accurate are these devices, and how can they complement traditional monitoring methods?

While wearable devices can provide convenient, continuous monitoring, it’s important to note that they may not be as accurate as traditional cuff-based monitors. They can, however, be useful for tracking trends and identifying patterns in your blood pressure over time.

Telemedicine

The rise of telemedicine has made it easier than ever to consult with healthcare providers about your blood pressure. How can you make the most of virtual consultations?

• Keep detailed records of your home blood pressure readings
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns before the appointment
• Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for video consultations
• Follow up on any recommendations or prescribed treatments

By leveraging these technological tools, you can take a more active role in managing your blood pressure and maintaining your ideal 97/64 reading.

Blood Pressure 97/64: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 97/64 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 97/64 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 97/64 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 97/64 blood pressure.

What does a 97/64 blood pressure mean?

The blood pressure reading 97/64 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 97/64 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.

97/64 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 97/64 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 97/64.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 97/64 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 97/64 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 97/64 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 97/64 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?

97/64 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 97/64 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

Claim A FREE Blood Pressure Tracking Log

Are you ready to take control of your blood pressure and improve your overall health? Join our newsletter now and unlock exclusive access to our user-friendly Blood Pressure Tracking Log – absolutely FREE!

Invalid email address

We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

97/64 blood pressure – is it good or bad?

Home > Resources > Blood pressure lookup > 97/64

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 97/64 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 97/64 would be considered
normal. Blood pressure is considered normal when the systolic reading (the top number) is between 90-119 and the diastolic reading (the bottom number) is less than 80.

Okay, now you know how to classify a blood pressure of 97/64, 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 97/64

A blood pressure reading of 97/64 is pronounced “97 over 64.” You may also see it written colloquially as 97/64 bp.

In a blood pressure reading of 97/64, 97 is called the systolic number and 64 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 97/64, you would pronounce it “97 over 64 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 97/64 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 97/64

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.

High blood pressure: what to do? – GBUZ “Abinsk Central District Hospital” MZ K

High blood pressure: what to do

Blood pressure in an adult is considered normal if its level at rest does not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Pressure level from 140/90 to 160/95 mm Hg. refers to the so-called border, intermediate zone. If the blood pressure level is equal to or higher than 160/95 mm Hg, then they speak of high blood pressure (hypertension).

How does hypertension manifest itself?

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system. Many consider it the disease of the century.

This is a chronic disease that manifests itself as a constant, and in the initial stages, a periodic increase in blood pressure. Patients have nervousness, progressive general weakness, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, pain in the back of the head. “Flies” flash before the eyes. In such people, sleep, as a rule, is defective, often disturbed by insomnia.

During the increase in pressure, a feeling of heat may join, the face and other areas of the skin turn red, then sweat appears on them. Hands and feet, on the contrary, may become cold. At the same time, the pulse becomes more frequent, and stabbing pains occur in the region of the heart. The severity and duration of these symptoms depends on how high a person’s blood pressure is.

Causes of hypertension?

1. Neuropsychic tension. The nervous factor is one of the determining factors in the occurrence of hypertension. Its initial link is emotions, emotional experiences, accompanied by various reactions in healthy people, including an increase in blood pressure. Frequent stressful situations sooner or later lead to persistent high pressure.

2. Endocrine disorders. Endocrine factors also play a role in the development of hypertension. It is well known that men of mature age, women in menopause and, finally, people with various pathologies of the pituitary and adrenal glands are more prone to increased pressure.

3. The use of a large amount of table salt. The nutritional factor is also important in the development of hypertension. It has been established that people who consume large amounts of table salt often suffer from high blood pressure. This is due to the retention of sodium in the body, which provokes the appearance of edema, vasoconstriction and an increase in the volume of circulating blood, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.

4. Heredity. One of the causes of high blood pressure is a genetic factor. It has been established that in children whose parents suffer from hypertension, the disease occurs 2.5 times more often than in others.

5. Nicotine, alcohol and other “stimulants” of the heart. Bad habits play an important role in increasing blood pressure. Tobacco, coffee, alcohol are powerful stimulants of the heart and blood vessels. These substances, as it were, spur the heart, and it begins to work with overload. Alcohol and tobacco are poisons that can penetrate the cells of all tissues of organs, causing dehydration and serious metabolic disorders in the body.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

Blood vessels are very sensitive to both constantly high pressure and its fluctuations. Under the influence of these factors, the vascular wall loses elasticity, and in some places becomes thinner. As a result, the arteries lengthen, become tortuous, deformed, and may bend.

Under the influence of high pressure in the walls of blood vessels, lipids are deposited faster (the so-called plaques are formed). Numerous medical observations indicate that in the body of people suffering from high blood pressure, atherosclerotic vascular damage develops many times faster. As a result of vascular changes that affect all organs, people with high blood pressure quickly develop signs of coronary heart disease, ischemia of the brain, kidneys, and limbs.

The result of the defeat of the coronary vessels becomes angina pectoris, or “angina pectoris”. Disturbed by pain or discomfort in the region of the heart, behind the sternum, arising after physical exertion, emotional experiences.

Myocardial infarction is also a manifestation of ischemia of the heart muscle. In this case, the blood flow through one of the coronary arteries is difficult or completely stopped for a long time. A heart attack, necrosis (death) of a section of the heart muscle develops. With a significant change in the vessels of the legs, peripheral circulation disorders develop: cold extremities, impaired sensitivity. Symptoms of intermittent claudication may appear: stiffness, pain in the legs when walking. A consequence of changes in blood vessels can also be a violation of kidney function. Suffer at high pressure and eye vessels. The thickening of their walls, as well as possible breaks, can lead to visual impairment, both transient and permanent.

Another dangerous consequence of high blood pressure is the development of brain complications. This is a blockage of the lumen of the cerebral artery by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque, intracerebral hemorrhage and the development of encephalopathy. The development of acute disorders of cerebral circulation, as a rule, is preceded by the appearance of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, irritability, low performance.

A direct consequence of high blood pressure is a complication such as a hypertensive crisis. The onset is usually sudden. The value of blood pressure at the same time increases individually. In one person, the pressure can rise to 270/160 mm Hg, in another – up to 190/120 mmHg

Help with hypertensive crisis

1. If the condition worsens, first of all, it is necessary to measure blood pressure.

2. It is necessary to reduce the blood flow to the head and upper body and ensure its outflow to the lower extremities. To do this, you need to put the patient or lay on a bed with a high headboard.

3. Be sure to call a doctor. Before his arrival, it is necessary to monitor the patient’s condition.

4. If cardiac symptoms appear (pain or squeezing, pressing, stabbing sensations in the region of the heart), before the doctor arrives, give the patient under the tongue nifedipine (Corinfar, fenigidin) at a dose of 10-20 mg or nitroglycerin 1 tablet every 10 minutes.

It is not necessary to use drugs such as dibazol, papazol, so beloved by many patients, for a hypertensive crisis. In a hypertensive crisis, they are ineffective. Their reception will only delay the pathological condition in which emergency assistance is required.

High blood pressure definitely needs treatment

August 18, 2020

The podcast “Half an hour of health” was visited by the scientific supervisor and chief physician of the Cardiology Center Margus Viigimaa. In today’s program, we’ll talk about high blood pressure or hypertension.

So, the topic of today’s program is high blood pressure, because low blood pressure does not pose a particular health risk?

Right. High blood pressure is an insidious disease that doesn’t give enough cause for concern, even though it is the most common cause of death and disability according to the World Health Organization. So a small increase in blood pressure may not seem so scary, but looking at the fact that many people have high blood pressure, we understand that we are talking about a serious problem.

Optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Art., 130/85 mm Hg. Art. – also a normal result. However, when blood pressure starts approaching 140, it is elevated normal blood pressure, which often eventually develops into hypertension.

At what level does hypertension begin?

First stage starts at 140/90 mmHg. Art., and simple lifestyle changes can still help here. The second stage is already arterial hypertension, which starts at 160/100 mm Hg. Art. At this stage, of course, medical treatment is required.

I have patients with moderately high blood pressure for whom we decided to postpone treatment and try first to change their lifestyle – lose weight, exercise, and so on. In this way, many got rid of hypertension for a while. However, it is a hereditary disease and it cannot be hoped that a healthy lifestyle will help you avoid it for the rest of your life. However, treatment can be postponed for 10, even 20 years.

In addition to physical activity, it is also important to reduce your salt intake. About a third of our people are so to speak sensitive to salt, and if they consume less salt, this has a positive effect on lowering blood pressure.

How to determine salt sensitivity? Many probably don’t know if they are sensitive to salt or not.

Salt sensitivity is very easy to test in practice: significantly reduce salt intake for 2-3 weeks and see if this lowers blood pressure.

In Finland, for example, over the past 40 years, salt intake has roughly halved, from 16 g to 8 g per day. We, too, can gradually limit the amount of salt in the diet. It would be realistic to reduce salt intake by about 1 g, and if you force it a little, then even by a couple of grams per year.

So, if you limit your salt intake for a while and your blood pressure goes down, then you are a salt sensitive person?

Yes, that’s right. A third of people immediately show strong sensitivity. Another third is slightly less dependent on salt, and the last third does not achieve a significant effect by reducing salt intake.

If ​​lifestyle interventions still fail, treatment should be started. Is it true that if blood pressure treatment is already started, it is essentially a lifelong treatment?

Yes, unfortunately it is. However, it is more advisable to use drugs than, fearing them, lead to blockage of blood vessels and the risk of serious organ damage. Brain damage is especially dangerous. We often see life-long small lesions in the brain leading to cognitive impairment, dementia, permanent paralysis, permanent speech impairment, even eye bleeding and blindness.

Other organs affected by high blood pressure are the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

If 20-30 years ago the slogan of blood pressure treatment was that the lower we lower blood pressure, the better, then the principle of the last 10 years is that the sooner we start treatment, the more successful it is. When we begin to treat high systolic blood pressure of 170, 180 mmHg, when symptoms have already appeared – headaches, noise in the head, cerebrovascular accident – this usually means that the disease has been going on for decades, the blood vessels have become accustomed, the walls of the blood vessels have thickened and treatment is difficult.

The treatment guidelines say that in elderly patients over the age of 65, we should reduce systolic blood pressure to 140 mmHg during treatment, and to 130 mmHg in young patients. However, if the disease is already running, then the treatment should not be too aggressive in the first months or even a year, because the body is already accustomed to high blood pressure. So the sooner you start treatment, the better.

However, do not underestimate the importance of improving your lifestyle. I had patients who completely normalized their blood pressure by non-drug methods. The role of lifestyle is also well illustrated by those patients who, for example, move to Australia and their blood pressure noticeably improves, but returning to Estonia again leads to its increase and the need for treatment.

And some go on vacation, forget their medicines at home, and find out they don’t even need them! They think they are healthy again, but when they return home, the illness reappears. As you can see, a lot depends on the level of stress and quality of life. If we cannot change these factors, we must take medications to keep our blood pressure normal. A study was conducted that showed that for people who are on treatment, the risk is reduced to almost the same level as for those who have never had problems with blood pressure.

Speaking of lifestyle, what exactly should be done? How drastic does a change need to be, such as increasing physical activity, to produce noticeable results?

Several studies in the field of physical exercise of varying intensity give a similar result: at least 2 times a week to exercise for at least 45 minutes. An hour is desirable, even 1.5 – but it also depends on age. If you train 3, 5 or even 7 times, then the effect will, of course, be even better. However, considering daily life, it is realistic to achieve 2-3 times a week. I usually recommend scheduling at least 3 workouts, because something always gets in the way of plans, and then there are at least 2 workouts left.

What kind of training could this be? Does a long walk in the street that lasts several hours but does not result in an increase in heart rate also count? Or is it still supposed to move with an increase in heart rate?

A walk is also considered, but it should be longer and more intense. Of course, it all depends on the age and level of physical fitness of the person, but if there is less time, then a more intense workout should be carried out. Which does not mean a lot of stress. It is important to achieve muscle loading of the arteries and a higher heart rate, about 60-70% of the maximum heart rate.

Generally, choosing the right workout and workout level depends on your weight and fitness level, but a simple test is to feel good after your workout. The skin should sweat, and blood pressure should decrease after the exercise stops. If blood pressure drops during the rest period, this shows that the training was effective.

When is the best time to check your blood pressure after exercise?

When the pulse is restored, about 10-15 minutes after exercise, blood pressure will also begin to decrease. If the pulse does not decrease and blood pressure does not normalize, then the training was excessive. Usually, people who have problems with blood pressure and who are engaged in physical exercises are pleased to note that they always feel good after training. So this is one of the most pleasant and effective ways to maintain normal blood pressure.

Even if there is a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, exercise can help keep blood pressure up to 140 Hg. Art. and postpone treatment for a long time.

Speaking of nutrition, prepared meals tend to be very salty. For example, packaged food bought in the store, and what is sold at lunchtime is called the “dish of the day”.

It definitely plays a role here that the vendors offer food that people are used to and like. Of course, it would be nice if the meals of the day contained, for example, less salt.

The main source of salt and, in my opinion, one of the most serious reasons why an epidemic of hypertension has arisen in developed countries is processed foods. There are also parallels with cholesterol. High cholesterol damages the wall of blood vessels and especially the ability of arteries to relax. In the inner lining of the affected arteries (endothelium), a thrombus may form, calcification increases, i. e. deposition of calcium salts. All this contributes to an increase in blood pressure.

In addition to nutrition, physical activity is also important for weight loss. In hypertensive patients, the relationship between weight loss and blood pressure was monitored, and it was concluded that the “price” of weight loss per kilogram is 1 mm of blood pressure reduction.

Is this a universal principle that applies to everyone?

Not exactly. Some achieve more, others less.

However, I have seen amazing changes when it comes to so-called “weight loss surgery” or bariatric surgery (commonly known as stomach reduction surgery). I had a patient with a blood pressure of 180 units and a weight of 180 kg. He came back to me a little less than a year later and I almost didn’t recognize him because his blood pressure was 120 and his weight was just over 100. needed treatment. However, I still cannot say that this will be the case for everyone.

Blood pressure is a more complex disease because the overriding cause of its occurrence, hypertension, is a genetic and heterogeneous disease. For example, diabetics have very severe hypertension, which is very difficult to normalize because it has many different types.

But I can say that today’s drugs and other methods in the vast majority of cases allow us to cure diseases. What I like most as a doctor is the situation when I can keep the disease under control for a long time without resorting to drugs.

Blood pressure is known to fluctuate greatly throughout the day, there is also the “white coat phenomenon” when blood pressure is much higher than at home when measured by a doctor. What is the correct blood pressure reading, measured in a nervous state at the doctor’s, or the one measured in a calm state lying on the couch?

Yes, there are undoubtedly differences. We have three types of measurements, but the treatment is still based on the so-called in-office measurements, which are taken when the person has sat quietly for at least 5 minutes. Its border is slightly higher, 140/90 mmHg The home measurement uses a limit of 5 units below the limit because there is less stress. If 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is currently performed, during which patients wear a blood pressure device for 24 hours, then the limit is 130/80 mmHg. Art., because at night the blood pressure is much lower, and this gives us additional information.

There are also those who also have high blood pressure at night, such as patients with kidney damage. Then the blood vessels cannot rest at all, and the lesions become even larger.

Meanwhile, according to new beliefs in the world of hypertension, the share of home measurements has increased significantly precisely because of the aforementioned “white coat phenomenon”. If a person’s blood pressure is normal at home, but it is high in the doctor’s office, then you should not immediately start treatment. However, these patients need to be carefully monitored, because studies show that within 5, maximum 10 years, they develop real hypertension, which requires a serious approach.

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, and the person may not realize that something is wrong. How to understand that the state of health begins to deteriorate due to high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is an insidious disease that goes unnoticed. A person may feel quite well with a slowly rising blood pressure that has not been attempted to be controlled even at 160/100 mmHg. Art. Only when we start treating him will he understand the difference. Again, some say that high blood pressure is inherent in their body, that the father, for example, had high blood pressure, and there is no problem.

Can it be that high blood pressure is inherent in humans? That it will not cause harm and you can live with it for a long time and with high quality?

No. Arteries are dedicated to certain types of blood pressure, which helps distribute oxygen and nutrients in our body. If the blood pressure is higher, the arteries should also increase resistance. There is a thickening of the wall of the artery and the process of calcification is accelerated.