What are the normal ranges for blood pressure. How is blood pressure measured. What factors can affect blood pressure readings. When should you be concerned about your blood pressure numbers. What lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure.

Decoding Blood Pressure Readings: Systolic and Diastolic Explained

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers, each representing a crucial aspect of your cardiovascular health. The first number, known as systolic blood pressure, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood. The second number, diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats when your heart is at rest.

Systolic Blood Pressure: The Top Number

Systolic blood pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. It represents the force exerted on artery walls when the heart beats. Here’s a breakdown of systolic blood pressure ranges:

• Normal: Below 120 mmHg
• Elevated: 120-129 mmHg
• Stage I hypertension: 130-139 mmHg
• Stage II hypertension: 140 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive crisis: 180 mmHg or higher (requires immediate medical attention)

Diastolic Blood Pressure: The Bottom Number

Diastolic blood pressure is equally important, as it measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. Here are the diastolic blood pressure ranges:

• Normal: Below 80 mmHg
• Stage I hypertension: 80-89 mmHg
• Stage II hypertension: 90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive crisis: 120 mmHg or higher (requires immediate medical attention)

Is it possible to have high blood pressure if only one number is elevated? Yes, even if your diastolic pressure is normal (below 80 mmHg), you can still have elevated blood pressure if your systolic reading falls between 120-129 mmHg.

Blood Pressure Categories: From Normal to Hypertensive Crisis

Understanding your blood pressure category is crucial for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. Let’s explore each category in detail:

Normal Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. To maintain this healthy range, it’s essential to follow an active lifestyle and maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Elevated Blood Pressure

When your systolic pressure is between 120-129 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is below 80 mmHg, you have elevated blood pressure. At this stage, lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring may be sufficient to prevent progression to hypertension.

Stage I Hypertension

Stage I hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure is 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure is 80-89 mmHg. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend lifestyle changes and may consider medication depending on your overall health and risk factors.

Stage II Hypertension

When systolic pressure reaches 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher, you’re in Stage II hypertension. At this stage, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and likely prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.

Hypertensive Crisis

A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher indicates a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency. If you experience such readings along with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, or vision problems, call emergency services immediately.

The Art and Science of Blood Pressure Measurement

Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of hypertension. Here’s how it’s typically done:

1. A healthcare professional wraps an inflatable cuff around your upper arm.
2. The cuff is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow.
3. As the cuff deflates, the professional listens with a stethoscope or uses an electronic sensor to detect when blood starts flowing again.
4. The pressure at which blood flow is first heard is the systolic pressure.
5. The pressure at which the sound fades away is the diastolic pressure.

Can a single blood pressure reading diagnose hypertension? Generally, no. Multiple readings over time are usually required for an accurate diagnosis, as blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors such as stress, time of day, and recent activities.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Empowering Patient Care

Home blood pressure monitoring has become an invaluable tool in managing hypertension. It provides a more comprehensive picture of your blood pressure over time and can help detect white coat hypertension (elevated readings only in medical settings) or masked hypertension (normal readings in medical settings but high at home).

Tips for Accurate Home Blood Pressure Measurement

• Use a validated, automated upper arm cuff device.
• Measure at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before taking medications and in the evening.
• Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring.
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking your reading.
• Support your arm at heart level and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Take 2-3 readings, 1 minute apart, and record all results.

How often should you check your blood pressure at home? For most people with hypertension, daily measurements for a week before each doctor’s appointment can provide valuable information. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.

Lifestyle Modifications: The First Line of Defense Against Hypertension

Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing blood pressure. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help lower your blood pressure naturally:

Dietary Approaches

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure. Key components include:

• Increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products
• Lean meats, fish, and poultry
• Reduced consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol
• Limited sodium intake (aim for less than 2,300 mg per day, or as recommended by your doctor)

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. Aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Alternatively, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
• Strength training exercises at least two days per week

How much can exercise lower your blood pressure? Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce systolic blood pressure by an average of 5-8 mmHg.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for blood pressure control. Even modest weight loss can have significant benefits:

• Losing 5-10% of your body weight can lower blood pressure
• Each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight loss can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 1 mmHg

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga or tai chi
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep (aim for 7-9 hours per night)

Pharmacological Interventions: When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough

While lifestyle modifications are the foundation of hypertension management, many individuals require medication to achieve target blood pressure levels. Common classes of antihypertensive medications include:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Beta-blockers

How do doctors decide which medication to prescribe? The choice of antihypertensive medication depends on various factors, including:

• The severity of hypertension
• Presence of other medical conditions
• Potential side effects
• Cost and insurance coverage
• Patient preferences and lifestyle

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most effective and well-tolerated medication regimen for your individual needs.

Sudden High Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns

While hypertension typically develops gradually over time, sudden spikes in blood pressure can occur and may indicate a serious underlying condition. Potential causes of sudden high blood pressure include:

• Severe pain or trauma
• Certain medications or supplements
• Recreational drug use
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., pheochromocytoma)
• Kidney problems
• Pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., preeclampsia)

When should you seek immediate medical attention for high blood pressure? If you experience a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care.

Malignant Hypertension: A Rare but Dangerous Condition

Malignant hypertension, also known as hypertensive emergency, is a severe form of high blood pressure that can cause organ damage if not treated promptly. It’s characterized by:

• Extremely high blood pressure (typically above 180/120 mmHg)
• Signs of organ damage, such as retinal changes, kidney dysfunction, or heart problems
• Rapid onset or worsening of symptoms

Risk Factors for Malignant Hypertension

Certain individuals are at higher risk for developing malignant hypertension:

• People with a history of poorly controlled hypertension
• African Americans
• Young adults, particularly men
• Individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, collagen vascular disorders)
• Those who abruptly discontinue antihypertensive medications

Treatment Approaches for Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension requires immediate hospitalization and intensive treatment. The primary goals are to lower blood pressure gradually and prevent further organ damage. Treatment may include:

• Intravenous antihypertensive medications
• Close monitoring in an intensive care unit
• Treatment of underlying causes or complications
• Gradual transition to oral medications
• Long-term follow-up and management

How quickly should blood pressure be lowered in malignant hypertension? The general approach is to reduce mean arterial pressure by no more than 25% within the first hour, then gradually lower it to 160/100-110 mmHg over the next 2-6 hours. Rapid blood pressure reduction can potentially cause organ ischemia and should be avoided.

Understanding blood pressure and its implications is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. By regularly monitoring your blood pressure, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications. Remember, hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms, making regular check-ups and home monitoring essential for early detection and management.

Blood Pressure Chart & Numbers (Normal Range, Systolic, Diastolic)

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Do Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
• What Does the Systolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
• What Does the Diastolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
• Blood Pressure Ranges
• Hypertension Blood Pressure Ranges
• How Blood Pressure Is Measured
• When to Check Blood Pressure
• Checking Blood Pressure at Home
• Preventing High Blood Pressure
• Causes of Sudden High Blood Pressure
• What Is Malignant High Blood Pressure?
• What Causes Malignant Hypertension?
• Who’s at Risk for Malignant Hypertension?
• How Is Malignant Hypertension Treated?
• More

When you get your blood pressure numbers, there are two of them. The first, or “top” one, is your systolic blood pressure. The second, or “bottom,” one is diastolic blood pressure.

Knowing both is important and could save your life.

When your heart beats, it squeezes and pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of your body. This force creates pressure on those blood vessels, and that’s your systolic blood pressure.

Here’s how to understand your systolic blood pressure number:

• Normal: Below 120
• Elevated: 120-129
• Stage I: high blood pressure (also called hypertension): 130-139
• Stage II: hypertension: 140 or more
• Hypertensive crisis: 180 or more. Call 911.

The diastolic reading, or the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is the time when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.

This is what your diastolic blood pressure number means:

• Normal: Lower than 80
• Stage I: hypertension: 80-89
• Stage II: hypertension: 90 or more
• Hypertensive crisis: 120 or more. Call 911.

Our chart below has more details.

Even if your diastolic number is normal (lower than 80), you can have elevated blood pressure if the systolic reading is 120-129.

If you have normal blood pressure, your blood pressure is less than 120/80. Stick with an active lifestyle and healthy diet to keep that going.

Is your blood pressure above the normal range, in either or both systolic and diastolic levels? Your doctor will want to have more than one blood pressure reading before diagnosing hypertension.

Treatments include lifestyle changes, and if that’s not enough, they may also include medications.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Cutting back on sodium. Ask your doctor what your daily sodium limit should be. Read the Nutrition Facts label on food products.
• Getting more exercise. Studies show benefits with 3-4 sessions per week, each lasting 40 minutes, of aerobic exercise (the kind that makes your heart beat faster).
• Losing weight, if you’re overweight. You can expect to shave about 1 point off your blood pressure numbers for each pound lost.
• Eating a healthy diet. The DASH diet is designed to improve blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It favors vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, and chicken.
• Limiting alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women or two for men.

If you also need medication to lower your blood pressure, there are several types:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• Alpha blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Central agonists
• Vasodilators
• Combination medications

If you need medication, your doctor will consider which type is best for you. (They’ll also recommend lifestyle habits that help lower blood pressure.) Deciding whether you need medication is often done on a case-by-case basis, depending on what else is going on with your health and on your preferences.

 .

If you have:

• Elevated blood pressure: Your systolic pressure is 120-129, and your diastolic pressure is less than 80. Lifestyle changes and monitoring your blood pressure may be all you need at this point. Your doctor will let you know.
• Stage I hypertension: Systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and will consider whether you also need medication.
• Stage II hypertension: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and consider starting you on medication to lower your blood pressure.
• Hypertensive crisis: Your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher. You may or may not also have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness, and trouble with vision or with speaking. This is an emergency. Call 911.

One reading may not be enough to diagnose high blood pressure. Your doctor may want you to have several blood pressure readings over time, to check if it’s consistently too high.

A doctor or nurse will measure your blood pressure with a small gauge attached to an inflatable cuff. It’s simple and painless.

The person taking your blood pressure wraps the cuff around your upper arm. Some cuffs go around the forearm or wrist, but often, they aren’t as accurate.

Your doctor or nurse will use a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through your artery.

They’ll inflate the cuff to a pressure higher than your systolic blood pressure, and it will tighten around your arm. Then, they’ll release it. As the cuff deflates, the first sound they hear through the stethoscope is the systolic blood pressure. It sounds like a whooshing noise. The point where this noise goes away marks the diastolic blood pressure.

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic number always comes first and then the diastolic number. For example, your numbers may be “120 over 80” or written as 120/80.

• If your blood pressure is normal—less than 120/80—get it checked every year, or more often as your doctor suggests.
• If your blood pressure is elevated—a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 129 or diastolic blood pressure of less than 80—your doctor will probably want to check it every 3-6 months. They will probably recommend lifestyle changes such as more exercise and a better diet.
• If you have stage I hypertension—130-139 over 89-90—the doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and see you again in 3-6 months. They could also tell you to make the changes and give you medication, then recheck your condition in a month. It depends on what other health conditions or risk factors you have.
• If you have stage II hypertension—140/90 or higher—you’ll likely get medication. You’ll also need to make lifestyle changes and see the doctor again in a month.

Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor find out if your treatment is working.

Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” It’s a real condition. The stress of being in a doctor’s office increases your blood pressure, but when you’re home, it’s normal.

Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Ask your doctor for a larger cuff or make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.

You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.

No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.

When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.

Check it at the same time of day so the readings are consistent. Then, take several readings about 1 minute apart. Be sure to write down the results.

Take the blood pressure journal to your doctor’s office so you can talk about any changes in your numbers. Your doctor will decide whether you need medications in addition to lifestyle changes.

Even if your blood pressure is high, you probably won’t have symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” The first symptom of untreated high blood pressure may be a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.

To keep your blood pressure in the normal range, your daily habits are key. These things help:

Don’t smoke. Among the many health problems that smoking causes, it increases your blood pressure.

Make physical activity a habit. Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as biking or brisk walking) five or more times a week. Or you could do a harder activity for a shorter period of time per session.

Eat right. Read food labels to see how much sodium is in a serving. Check with your doctor to find out what your daily limit should be. Include a lot of vegetables and fruits, along with whatever else you choose to put on your plate.

Stick to a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase your blood pressure. If you’re not sure what a healthy weight would be for you, ask your doctor.

Get enough sleep. For most adults, that’s 7-8 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis.

If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman and up to two drinks a day if you’re a man.

Sometimes, your blood pressure will spike for short periods. This is known as sudden high blood pressure. Here are some of the causes:

• Caffeine
• Smoking
• Stress
• Certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a mix of meds
• Overactive adrenal glands
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid issues (overactive or underactive thyroid)
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure

Malignant hypertension is extremely high blood pressure that develops rapidly and causes some type of organ damage. Malignant hypertension should be treated as a medical emergency.

In many people, high blood pressure is the main cause of malignant hypertension. Missing doses of blood pressure medications can also cause it. In addition, there are certain medical conditions that can cause it. They include:

• Collagen vascular disease, such as scleroderma
• Kidney disease
• Spinal cord injuries
• Tumor of the adrenal gland
• Use of certain medications, including birth control pills and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine

Malignant hypertension is rare. About 1% of people who have a history of high blood pressure develop this life-threatening condition.

You are at higher risk of developing it if you are a man, African American, or someone of lower economic status. Poor access to health care increases the risk.

Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit. The doctor will consider your symptoms and overall health when deciding what treatment plan is best for you. The goal of treatment is to carefully lower your blood pressure within a matter of minutes.

You will receive blood pressure medicines through an IV, which is the quickest way to treat extremely high blood pressure. Once blood pressure is at a safe level, the medications may be switched to oral forms. If you develop kidney failure, you may need kidney dialysis.

Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms and possible causes of the malignant hypertension.

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Blood Pressure Chart & Numbers (Normal Range, Systolic, Diastolic)

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Do Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
• What Does the Systolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
• What Does the Diastolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?
• Blood Pressure Ranges
• Hypertension Blood Pressure Ranges
• How Blood Pressure Is Measured
• When to Check Blood Pressure
• Checking Blood Pressure at Home
• Preventing High Blood Pressure
• Causes of Sudden High Blood Pressure
• What Is Malignant High Blood Pressure?
• What Causes Malignant Hypertension?
• Who’s at Risk for Malignant Hypertension?
• How Is Malignant Hypertension Treated?
• More

When you get your blood pressure numbers, there are two of them. The first, or “top” one, is your systolic blood pressure. The second, or “bottom,” one is diastolic blood pressure.

Knowing both is important and could save your life.

When your heart beats, it squeezes and pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of your body. This force creates pressure on those blood vessels, and that’s your systolic blood pressure.

Here’s how to understand your systolic blood pressure number:

• Normal: Below 120
• Elevated: 120-129
• Stage I: high blood pressure (also called hypertension): 130-139
• Stage II: hypertension: 140 or more
• Hypertensive crisis: 180 or more. Call 911.

The diastolic reading, or the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is the time when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.

This is what your diastolic blood pressure number means:

• Normal: Lower than 80
• Stage I: hypertension: 80-89
• Stage II: hypertension: 90 or more
• Hypertensive crisis: 120 or more. Call 911.

Our chart below has more details.

Even if your diastolic number is normal (lower than 80), you can have elevated blood pressure if the systolic reading is 120-129.

If you have normal blood pressure, your blood pressure is less than 120/80. Stick with an active lifestyle and healthy diet to keep that going.

Is your blood pressure above the normal range, in either or both systolic and diastolic levels? Your doctor will want to have more than one blood pressure reading before diagnosing hypertension.

Treatments include lifestyle changes, and if that’s not enough, they may also include medications.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Cutting back on sodium. Ask your doctor what your daily sodium limit should be. Read the Nutrition Facts label on food products.
• Getting more exercise. Studies show benefits with 3-4 sessions per week, each lasting 40 minutes, of aerobic exercise (the kind that makes your heart beat faster).
• Losing weight, if you’re overweight. You can expect to shave about 1 point off your blood pressure numbers for each pound lost.
• Eating a healthy diet. The DASH diet is designed to improve blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It favors vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, and chicken.
• Limiting alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women or two for men.

If you also need medication to lower your blood pressure, there are several types:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• Alpha blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Central agonists
• Vasodilators
• Combination medications

If you need medication, your doctor will consider which type is best for you. (They’ll also recommend lifestyle habits that help lower blood pressure.) Deciding whether you need medication is often done on a case-by-case basis, depending on what else is going on with your health and on your preferences.

 .

If you have:

• Elevated blood pressure: Your systolic pressure is 120-129, and your diastolic pressure is less than 80. Lifestyle changes and monitoring your blood pressure may be all you need at this point. Your doctor will let you know.
• Stage I hypertension: Systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and will consider whether you also need medication.
• Stage II hypertension: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and consider starting you on medication to lower your blood pressure.
• Hypertensive crisis: Your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher. You may or may not also have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness, and trouble with vision or with speaking. This is an emergency. Call 911.

One reading may not be enough to diagnose high blood pressure. Your doctor may want you to have several blood pressure readings over time, to check if it’s consistently too high.

A doctor or nurse will measure your blood pressure with a small gauge attached to an inflatable cuff. It’s simple and painless.

The person taking your blood pressure wraps the cuff around your upper arm. Some cuffs go around the forearm or wrist, but often, they aren’t as accurate.

Your doctor or nurse will use a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through your artery.

They’ll inflate the cuff to a pressure higher than your systolic blood pressure, and it will tighten around your arm. Then, they’ll release it. As the cuff deflates, the first sound they hear through the stethoscope is the systolic blood pressure. It sounds like a whooshing noise. The point where this noise goes away marks the diastolic blood pressure.

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic number always comes first and then the diastolic number. For example, your numbers may be “120 over 80” or written as 120/80.

• If your blood pressure is normal—less than 120/80—get it checked every year, or more often as your doctor suggests.
• If your blood pressure is elevated—a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 129 or diastolic blood pressure of less than 80—your doctor will probably want to check it every 3-6 months. They will probably recommend lifestyle changes such as more exercise and a better diet.
• If you have stage I hypertension—130-139 over 89-90—the doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and see you again in 3-6 months. They could also tell you to make the changes and give you medication, then recheck your condition in a month. It depends on what other health conditions or risk factors you have.
• If you have stage II hypertension—140/90 or higher—you’ll likely get medication. You’ll also need to make lifestyle changes and see the doctor again in a month.

Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor find out if your treatment is working.

Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” It’s a real condition. The stress of being in a doctor’s office increases your blood pressure, but when you’re home, it’s normal.

Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Ask your doctor for a larger cuff or make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.

You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.

No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.

When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.

Check it at the same time of day so the readings are consistent. Then, take several readings about 1 minute apart. Be sure to write down the results.

Take the blood pressure journal to your doctor’s office so you can talk about any changes in your numbers. Your doctor will decide whether you need medications in addition to lifestyle changes.

Even if your blood pressure is high, you probably won’t have symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” The first symptom of untreated high blood pressure may be a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.

To keep your blood pressure in the normal range, your daily habits are key. These things help:

Don’t smoke. Among the many health problems that smoking causes, it increases your blood pressure.

Make physical activity a habit. Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as biking or brisk walking) five or more times a week. Or you could do a harder activity for a shorter period of time per session.

Eat right. Read food labels to see how much sodium is in a serving. Check with your doctor to find out what your daily limit should be. Include a lot of vegetables and fruits, along with whatever else you choose to put on your plate.

Stick to a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase your blood pressure. If you’re not sure what a healthy weight would be for you, ask your doctor.

Get enough sleep. For most adults, that’s 7-8 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis.

If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman and up to two drinks a day if you’re a man.

Sometimes, your blood pressure will spike for short periods. This is known as sudden high blood pressure. Here are some of the causes:

• Caffeine
• Smoking
• Stress
• Certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a mix of meds
• Overactive adrenal glands
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid issues (overactive or underactive thyroid)
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure

Malignant hypertension is extremely high blood pressure that develops rapidly and causes some type of organ damage. Malignant hypertension should be treated as a medical emergency.

In many people, high blood pressure is the main cause of malignant hypertension. Missing doses of blood pressure medications can also cause it. In addition, there are certain medical conditions that can cause it. They include:

• Collagen vascular disease, such as scleroderma
• Kidney disease
• Spinal cord injuries
• Tumor of the adrenal gland
• Use of certain medications, including birth control pills and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine

Malignant hypertension is rare. About 1% of people who have a history of high blood pressure develop this life-threatening condition.

You are at higher risk of developing it if you are a man, African American, or someone of lower economic status. Poor access to health care increases the risk.

Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in a hospital, often in an intensive care unit. The doctor will consider your symptoms and overall health when deciding what treatment plan is best for you. The goal of treatment is to carefully lower your blood pressure within a matter of minutes.

You will receive blood pressure medicines through an IV, which is the quickest way to treat extremely high blood pressure. Once blood pressure is at a safe level, the medications may be switched to oral forms. If you develop kidney failure, you may need kidney dialysis.

Other treatments depend on your specific symptoms and possible causes of the malignant hypertension.

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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.

Diagnosis and treatment of blood pressure abnormalities (Sergiev Posad)

Blood pressure deviations – symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the Paracelsus clinic, Sergiev Posad

ATTENTION: You can independently make an appointment with a doctor 24/7 in the Mobile application “Clinic PARACELS”

Online consultations of doctors are available (more than 18 specialties).

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of blood vessels. The value of blood pressure is associated with the work of the heart and the elasticity of the arteries. Thanks to blood pressure, blood is carried throughout the body and performs its functions. Blood pressure has a great impact on health and well-being, so monitoring it is vital.

Paracelsus Medical Center has a team of professional doctors. Neurologists, internists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, optometrists, nephrologists – they can all help in the diagnosis and treatment of blood pressure abnormalities.

Normal blood pressure

Normal blood pressure is in the range from 110 to 70 to 130 to 85 mm Hg. These indicators largely depend on the individual characteristics of the organism, age, gender, living conditions and even the time of day. Everyone needs regular blood pressure monitoring. Measurement of blood pressure is carried out with a special device – a tonometer. The tonometer determines 2 pressure indicators:

• Systolic blood pressure is the blood pressure at the moment of maximum contraction of the heart (normal 110-130).
• Diastolic blood pressure is the blood pressure at the moment of maximum relaxation of the heart (normal 70-85).

High blood pressure

Increased blood pressure is recorded if the heart ejects a large volume of blood into the arteries or the tension of the vascular walls increases. Hypertension is called an increase in pressure above 140/90 mm Hg.

The cause of hypertension can be:

• stress;
• atherosclerosis;
• overweight;
• heredity;
• bad habits;
• reduced locomotor activity;
• increased salt content in the body.

A common cause of high blood pressure is the pathology of the kidneys, nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

You can suspect hypertension by the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• labored breathing;
• darkening before the eyes;
• swelling of the legs in the morning and evening;
• feeling of a beating pulse in the ears;
• flashing “flies” before the eyes;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• headache in the temporal region, occiput.

Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure is characterized by indicators of 100/60-110/70 mm Hg.

Hypotension can be caused by:

• anemia;
• injuries;
• infections;
• poisoning;
• osteochondrosis;
• severe blood loss;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A decrease in blood pressure can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• weakness;
• shortness of breath;
• nausea;
• syncope;
• prostration;
• sweating of palms;
• memory disorders;
• muscle and joint pain;
• performance deterioration.

Danger of self-medication and complications

In the treatment of hypotension or hypertension, the main thing is not to waste time and prevent the development of complications.

People who suffer from hypertension are prone to strokes, coronary heart disease, and damage to the vessels of the legs. Also, hypertension can lead to a decrease in vision and disrupt the functioning of the kidneys.

Hypotension can cause ischemia, loss of vision and hearing. Pregnant women are at particular risk, because low blood pressure can cause miscarriage.

Often people “relieve” the disturbing symptoms of the disease on their own. But the consequences of treating only the symptoms of the disease are unpredictable. Treatment of hypertension and hypotension depends on the characteristics of the disease, its causes and the individual reaction of the body. Therefore, only a doctor should prescribe treatment.

Benefits of treatment and diagnosis of blood pressure abnormalities at Paracelsus Medical Center:

The key advantage is the presence of narrow-profile specialists who are deeply involved in pathologies that can affect changes in blood pressure: the cardiovascular system, the central and peripheral nervous system, the endocrine system and other systems.

The Paracelsus Medical Center practices a multidisciplinary approach to solving each medical problem, so the therapist or neurologist involves other specialists in the diagnostic and treatment program, depending on the causes of changes in blood pressure.

During the consultation, the doctor will learn in detail about the change in your state of health and will conduct a thorough examination.

In our center, there is an opportunity for each patient to undergo a wide range of diagnostic procedures to diagnose and establish the causes of changes in blood pressure:

The clinic offers a full range of functional studies of the nervous system: ultrasound examinations (ultrasound) required in neurology (ultrasound of peripheral nerves, Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and brain (USDG), electroencephalography (EEG), laboratory diagnostics, etc.

Our specialists develop an individual therapy regimen, explain how to properly control your condition, what to do if certain symptoms occur.

In the treatment of our patients, we are guided by international clinical guidelines. Our doctors work only with those methods that have proven their effectiveness. The attending physician will prescribe only registered drugs that actually work.

We care about every patient, we have:

• individual approach to each patient, friendly staff, comfortable conditions;
• expert class equipment diagnoses pathology at the earliest stage;
• convenient working hours, seven days a week.

With care for your health, Paracelsus Medical Center

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