What does a blood pressure reading of 100/68 indicate. How can you maintain this healthy blood pressure level. What are the benefits of having ideal blood pressure. How to ensure accurate blood pressure measurements.

Decoding Blood Pressure: What Does 100/68 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 100/68 is considered ideal and falls within the normal range as defined by the American Heart Association. This reading consists of two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (100 mmHg): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
• Diastolic pressure (68 mmHg): The pressure in your arteries between heartbeats

This blood pressure level indicates that your cardiovascular system is functioning efficiently, with your heart pumping blood effectively throughout your body without exerting excessive pressure on your blood vessels.

Is 100/68 blood pressure too low?

No, a blood pressure of 100/68 is not too low. It falls comfortably within the normal range of 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. This reading suggests that your heart is working optimally without overexertion.

The Benefits of Maintaining Ideal Blood Pressure

Having a blood pressure of 100/68 comes with numerous health advantages. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

1. Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
2. Lower likelihood of developing diabetes
3. Improved kidney function
4. Better weight management
5. Enhanced mineral regulation in the body
6. Decreased risk of stroke
7. Improved overall quality of life

How does ideal blood pressure contribute to heart health?

Ideal blood pressure, such as 100/68, reduces the strain on your heart and blood vessels. This decreased workload helps prevent the thickening of arterial walls and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, ultimately lowering the chances of heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications.

Maintaining Your 100/68 Blood Pressure: Lifestyle Strategies

While a blood pressure of 100/68 is excellent, it’s crucial to maintain this healthy level. Here are some effective strategies to help you preserve your optimal blood pressure:

• Engage in regular physical activity (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week)
• Adopt a balanced, nutrient-rich diet low in sodium and saturated fats
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
• Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults)
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

Can dietary changes help maintain ideal blood pressure?

Yes, dietary modifications can play a significant role in maintaining ideal blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been shown to be particularly effective in supporting healthy blood pressure levels.

The Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring

Even if your blood pressure is currently at an ideal level of 100/68, it’s essential to monitor it regularly. Blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors, including age, stress, and lifestyle changes. Here’s why consistent monitoring is crucial:

• Helps detect any changes in blood pressure early
• Allows for timely intervention if blood pressure begins to rise
• Provides motivation to maintain healthy lifestyle habits
• Aids in tracking the effectiveness of any lifestyle modifications or treatments

How often should blood pressure be checked?

For individuals with normal blood pressure, like 100/68, it’s generally recommended to have it checked at least once every two years. However, if you have risk factors for hypertension or a family history of cardiovascular diseases, more frequent monitoring may be advised by your healthcare provider.

Understanding Blood Pressure Variations: When to Be Concerned

While 100/68 is an ideal blood pressure reading, it’s important to understand that blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Factors such as physical activity, stress, and even the time of day can cause temporary changes in your blood pressure. However, there are instances when variations might warrant attention:

• Consistent readings above 120/80 mmHg
• Sudden drops in blood pressure causing dizziness or fainting
• Large fluctuations between readings taken at different times
• Persistently low readings below 90/60 mmHg accompanied by symptoms

What causes blood pressure to fluctuate?

Blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors, including:
– Physical activity
– Emotional stress
– Caffeine or alcohol consumption
– Certain medications
– Time of day (blood pressure typically follows a circadian rhythm)
– Recent meals
– Full bladder
– Body position (standing, sitting, lying down)

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal blood pressure levels. A balanced diet can help preserve your 100/68 blood pressure and even improve it if it starts to creep up. Here are some key nutritional strategies:

• Reduce sodium intake: Aim for less than 2,300 mg per day, or even lower if recommended by your doctor
• Increase potassium-rich foods: Bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens can help balance sodium levels
• Consume adequate calcium and magnesium: These minerals support healthy blood pressure regulation
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these can help lower blood pressure
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall cardiovascular health

How does sodium affect blood pressure?

Sodium can cause the body to retain excess fluid, which increases blood volume and puts additional pressure on blood vessels. This can lead to elevated blood pressure over time. Reducing sodium intake can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and prevent hypertension.

Exercise and Blood Pressure: Finding the Right Balance

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. If you currently have a blood pressure of 100/68, exercise can help you maintain this optimal level. Here’s how different types of exercise can benefit your cardiovascular health:

1. Aerobic exercise: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health
2. Strength training: Resistance exercises can help build lean muscle mass and improve overall cardiovascular function
3. Flexibility exercises: Yoga and stretching can help reduce stress, which indirectly supports healthy blood pressure
4. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Short bursts of intense activity followed by rest periods can be particularly effective for heart health

How much exercise is needed to maintain healthy blood pressure?

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. However, any amount of physical activity is beneficial, and it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration.

Stress Management: A Key Factor in Blood Pressure Control

Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure over time. Even if your current blood pressure is 100/68, managing stress is crucial for maintaining this healthy level. Here are some effective stress management techniques:

• Mindfulness meditation: Regular practice can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure
• Deep breathing exercises: These can activate the body’s relaxation response
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups
• Regular exercise: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever
• Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night
• Time management: Organizing your schedule can help reduce daily stressors
• Social connections: Maintaining strong relationships can provide emotional support and reduce stress

Can stress cause permanent high blood pressure?

While acute stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, chronic stress may contribute to long-term elevation of blood pressure. However, by implementing effective stress management techniques and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can mitigate the impact of stress on your blood pressure.

Maintaining a blood pressure of 100/68 is an excellent goal for overall health and well-being. By understanding the significance of this reading, implementing healthy lifestyle habits, and regularly monitoring your blood pressure, you can preserve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of various health complications. Remember that while 100/68 is ideal, small fluctuations are normal, and consistent effort in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to long-term blood pressure management.

Blood Pressure 100/68: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 100/68 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 100/68 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 100/68 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 100/68 blood pressure.

9 Signs of High Blood Pressure and …

Please enable JavaScript

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

What does a 100/68 blood pressure mean?

The blood pressure reading 100/68 indicates that the person in question has ideal blood pressure.

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

By extension, the blood pressure value of 100/68 means that the person is not at a prominent risk of any heart disease. His/her heart is functioning the way a healthy person’s heart should, and that is significantly good for that person.

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

100/68 signifies that the lifestyle that you have adapted yourself to is well-supported by your body and health. Also, if you were to keep up with the same lifestyle, it would eliminate the possible risk of chronic heart disease from your life.

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

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

What should you do if you have 100/68 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 100/68.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 100/68 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 100/68 is, in fact, clinically valid.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Keep it up!

The blood pressure readings of 100/68 are relatively good, even taking into consideration the entire range of the ideal blood pressure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Diet check for 100/68 blood pressure

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

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

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

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

5. Do I need more tests for my heart?

100/68 is a perfect value that one might want to see when their blood pressure is being checked. Still, does it mean you are perfectly fine? Should you conduct more studies to get a conclusive stat regarding your heart health?

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

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

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

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

6. Natural supplements for your rescue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So having an 100/68 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.

What Causes It and When It’s Dangerous

Low Blood Pressure: What Causes It and When It’s Dangerous

Jump to

1. Main content
2. Search
3. Account

Insider logoThe word “Insider”.

ReviewsThe word Reviews
Account iconAn icon in the shape of a person’s head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile.
Account iconAn icon in the shape of a person’s head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile.

Back to Top
A white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It
indicates ‘click here to go back to the top of the page.’

Reviews

Health

Save Article IconA bookmarkShare iconAn curved arrow pointing right.
Read in app

This article was medically reviewed by John Osborne, MD, PhD, and the Director of Cardiology for Dallas-based State of the Heart Cardiology.

Medically Reviewed

Reviewed By Check Mark IconA check mark. It indicates that the relevant content has been reviewed and verified by an expert

Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit our medical review board.

Common causes of low blood pressure include pregnancy, medication side effects, and dehydration.

yacobchuk/Getty Images

• Low blood pressure is defined by a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower.
• Low blood pressure with no symptoms is rarely a cause for concern. 
• If you also experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical attention. 

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood moving through your artery walls. When that force is too low, your vital organs may not be getting the right amount of blood flow they need to function. 

Here’s what you need to know about what might cause low blood pressure and when it is considered an emergency.

What low blood pressure means

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure, which is typically defined by a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower. For reference, a normal blood pressure range is around 100/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg. 

Low blood pressure with no symptoms is rarely a cause for concern, says Nicole Weinberg, MD, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. In fact, some people have chronic low blood pressure, but feel fine, and do not need to be treated. 

However, if low blood pressure is combined with symptoms of dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, it could be a sign that you need medical attention.

What causes low blood pressure

The exact cause of low blood pressure is not always clear, Weinberg says, but some common causes include: 

• Side effects from over-the-counter or prescription medications, including drugs used to treat high blood pressure, like diuretics, as well as tricyclic antidepressants and erectile dysfunction drugs
• Pregnancy (often in the first 24 weeks), due to hormonal changes and expansion of the circulatory system 
• Other hormone changes, including issues with the hormone-producing glands in the endocrine system 
• Dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke

In addition, postural or orthostatic hypotension can occur when you quickly rise from a sitting or lying down position, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and feelings of lightheadedness. This can last for just a few minutes or it can be more severe and cause fainting. 

In fact, Parkinson’s disease can impair the body’s ability to automatically adjust blood pressure when changing positions, resulting in bouts of orthostatic hypotension. About one in five people with Parkinson’s are affected by orthostatic hypotension. 

Weinberg says orthostatic hypotension usually isn’t a medical emergency unless it persists and you consistently feel lightheaded when you stand.

For someone experiencing an isolated episode of hypotension, Weinberg advises lying down, eating a salty snack, and drinking water — since fluids increase blood volume and can help get your blood pressure back to normal. 

When low blood pressure is an emergency 

If you frequently experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or fainting spells, you should consult a doctor. While low blood pressure, itself, usually isn’t fatal, there are serious medical situations where it is considered an emergency, and you should go to the hospital.  

“The likelihood of dying from low blood pressure is low unless it is related to another disease process,” Weinberg says.

For example, a blood infection, or sepsis, can result in low blood pressure. Sepsis occurs when the chemicals released by the body to fight an infection trigger widespread inflammation, resulting in blood clotting that reduces blood flow to vital organs, such as your heart, kidneys, and brain. This can progress to septic shock and very low blood pressure, which may be fatal, and should be treated immediately. 

Low blood pressure can also be affiliated with Addison’s disease — a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, a hormone that helps your body respond to stress. Lack of cortisol production can cause addisonian crisis, which is characterized by low blood pressure and can be fatal without proper treatment.  

The treatment for low blood pressure varies depending on the cause. In severe cases, someone might need intravenous therapy (IV) to deliver fluids into the veins and raise blood pressure. In critical situations, such as septic shock, doctors may use drug therapies either orally or through an IV to quickly raise blood pressure. 

Insider’s takeaway

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is often not a cause for concern. However, if it accompanies symptoms like fainting, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or dizziness, you may need medical attention.

Some common causes of low blood pressure include pregnancy, hormonal changes, dehydration, and medication side effects. 

Low blood pressure alone is not considered fatal, but there are some conditions where it’s an emergency. Low blood pressure caused by Sepsis or Addison’s disease calls for immediate medical treatment. 

Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

Read moreRead less

Related articles

Health
Heart health
Health Explainers

More…

Blood pressure – norm and pathology

from May 14 to 24 within the framework of the Year of the Heart in the MUSIC City Hospital No. G.I. Drobyshev is holding an information and practical campaign

“Learn to control your blood pressure. ”

One of the most common health complaints and one of the “favorite” diseases in the elderly is high blood pressure. This pathology can explain any changes in well-being, bad mood and other troubles. Blood pressure can rise and fall several times during one day, and a person’s normal pressure is a purely individual concept.

What is blood pressure and what values ​​are considered normal?

Blood pressure is a general concept that determines the force with which blood presses on the walls of blood vessels, it is more correct to call it blood pressure, because pressure is important not only in arteries, but also in veins and capillaries. But it is possible to measure without the help of special instruments only the pressure in large vessels located on the surface of the body – in the arteries.

Blood pressure – BP – depends on how fast and force the human heart contracts, how much blood it can pump in one minute, on the properties of the blood itself and the resistance of the vessel walls.

Factors affecting the value of blood pressure:

• the ability of the heart to contract with sufficient force and ensure normal blood ejection through the vessels;
• from the rheological properties of blood – the “thicker” the blood, the more difficult it is to move through the vessels, diseases such as diabetes mellitus, increased clotting, greatly impede blood flow and can lead to problems with blood pressure, with thick blood, some doctors prescribe treatment with leeches ;
• elasticity of vessel walls – blood vessels wear out over time and cannot withstand increased stress – this causes the development of hypertension in the elderly,
• atherosclerotic changes – reduce the elasticity of the walls;
• sudden constriction or dilation of blood vessels – as a result of nervous shocks or hormonal changes, a sharp narrowing or expansion of blood vessels is possible – for example, with fear, anger or other strong emotions;
• diseases of the endocrine glands.

Normal pressure is determined by a combination of a large number of parameters, and for each age, gender and for an individual, its indicators can vary greatly. For medical norms, average indicators are taken from healthy people of a certain age. It has long been proven that a pressure of 120/80 cannot and should not be considered the ideal norm for people of different ages.

To find out what normal pressure a person should have at different age periods, you can use the following table.

Adult blood pressure readings:

• Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 110/70 and 130/85 mm. rt. Art.
• Reduced normal pressure – 110\70 – 100\60;
• Low blood pressure – hypotension – below 100/60;
• Increased normal pressure – 130\85-139\89;
• High blood pressure – hypertension – more than 140\90 mm. rt. Art.

Indicators of normal blood pressure for different age periods:

• 16 – 20 years – 100\70 – 120\80 mm. rt. Art.
• 20 – 40 years – 120\70-130\80;
• 40 -60 – up to 140\90;
• over 60 years old – up to 150\90 mm. rt. Art.

From the table above, it can be seen that the greater the age of a person, the higher the normal blood pressure, this is due to age-related changes in blood vessels, in the heart muscle and in other organs. High blood pressure, as well as low blood pressure, can cause various health problems, but in order to determine whether a change in the level of pressure is to blame for feeling unwell, it is necessary to regularly measure it and keep a special diary. For this, several trips to the clinic or visits to the doctor are not enough, only daily regular pressure measurements can give the correct results.

Measurement.

The correctness of the diagnosis and prescription of treatment largely depends on the correctness of blood pressure measurements, because the doctor, prescribing medicine or prescribing treatment, largely focuses on the measurement numbers.

Today there are different ways to measure pressure:

1. The simplest and oldest – with the help of a cuff and a tonometer – here it is of great importance to correctly apply the cuff, the ability to use a tonometer and listen to heart sounds. Such a measurement requires special training and skills, but when used correctly, it gives fairly accurate and reliable results.
2. Electrotonometer – the principle of operation is the same, but the results are visible on a special display. This facilitates self-measurement of pressure and provides more accurate results. But such blood pressure monitors often break down and may show incorrect numbers.

No matter how blood pressure is measured, some general rules must be observed:0034

measurement should be carried out on both hands and it is desirable to carry out a series of measurements with an interval of 5-10 minutes.

If, after a correct measurement of blood pressure, the readings are very different from the norm, it is necessary to repeat the measurements within a few days and, if confirmed, consult a doctor.

High blood pressure.

Considered one of the most dangerous diseases of mankind, about 25% of people worldwide suffer from hypertension, and this figure continues to increase. Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm. rt. Art. The causes of hypertension can be:

• overweight,
• genetic predisposition,
• diseases of internal organs,
• lack of physical activity,
• smoking and drinking,
• excessive consumption of table salt,
• nervous strain,
• other factors.

With hypertension, the patient suffers from headaches (and here headache pills will not help), shortness of breath, pain in the heart, increased fatigue, insomnia, poor health and other symptoms. In addition, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, brain damage, pathology of the urinary system and eye diseases increases.

The treatment of hypertension is a very complex and time-consuming process, where the outcome of the disease depends on the observance of the doctor’s recommendations. It is important to find the cause of the increase in pressure and act on it. At the same time providing symptomatic treatment. In each case, drugs, doses and their combination should be selected individually by the attending physician.

Without timely treatment or uncontrolled use of drugs, hypertension can not only severely damage health, but also cause such a life-threatening condition as a hypertensive crisis.

Hypertensive crisis.

Hypertensive crisis is a life-threatening condition caused by a sharp increase in blood pressure and damage to the nervous system and target organs. The blood pressure figures in a hypertensive crisis can vary greatly in different patients – someone normally tolerates 200\150 mm. rt. st, and someone feels bad already at 150 \ 85 mm. rt. Art. The nature of the lesions in GC depends on the organs in which the pathology was previously – if the heart hurt, myocardial infarction may occur, if it was tormented – headaches – then a stroke, and so on.

The causes of GC can be:

• psycho-emotional overstrain,
• physical activity,
• meteorological changes,
• drinking alcohol,
• rich food with high salt content,
• incorrectly selected antihypertensive drugs,
• diseases of the endocrine system and internal organs.

With the development of GC, the patient’s state of health deteriorates sharply, there is a feeling of fear, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, darkness before the eyes, swelling and flushing of the face, chills, tremor of the extremities, fainting, up to coma.

If these symptoms appear, the patient should be placed on any flat surface with a raised headboard and an ambulance should be called immediately. Before her arrival, try to provide the patient with peace, an influx of fresh air, get rid of tight clothing, if the patient has had hypertension for a long time, then most likely he is taking some kind of antihypertensive drug, in this case, you can give the patient the usual dosage before arrival.

Hypotension, low blood pressure.

For many people, especially those suffering from hypertension, it seems that lowering blood pressure may not be a problem, but in fact it is not. Constantly low blood pressure can cause no less inconvenience and cause health problems than hypertension.

The causes of this pathology can be hereditary predisposition, poor nutrition and beriberi, endocrine diseases, nervous strain, general exhaustion of the body and other problems.

A person suffering from hypotension constantly feels tired, overwhelmed, he hardly performs daily duties and is emotionally retarded. In addition, there is a decrease in memory and brain activity, poor thermoregulation, increased sweating, headaches, drowsiness, pain in the joints and muscles, and a general deterioration in well-being.

Although, unlike hypertension, hypotension does not cause serious health problems, it also needs to be treated. And only a doctor can determine the cause of hypotension and prescribe treatment, after a detailed examination. And without medical help, we can advise you to establish a regime of work and rest, eat well, not be nervous and give up bad habits.

Original article http://tibet-medicine.ru/sovrmed/normalnoe-davlenie-cheloveka

is it necessary to increase it and what to do with fainting

Enroll

July 20, 2021

read 5-7 minutes

Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of health, depending mainly on vascular tone and the volume of circulating blood. Everyone knows about the dangers of high blood pressure. What do doctors say about low?

The normal level of pressure at any age is less than 140/90 mm Hg. Art. An increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg. Art. called arterial hypertension, or hypertension. This condition is dangerous for the development of strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications, requires treatment and medical supervision even if you do not feel it. What can be said about low blood pressure?

Natalya Polenova — PhD, family doctor, cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist, nutritionist at GMS Clinic.

Hypotension (lower than 90/60 blood pressure) is usually not a health hazard. Constantly lowered blood pressure numbers often occur in young girls of a fragile physique, but this, as a rule, does not affect the quality of life.

Permanent hypotension in good health does not require treatment. But, if the pressure dropped sharply and this led to fainting or caused a pre-fainting state, medical assistance and additional examination may be required.

Of particular note is the reduction in blood pressure in the following situations:

Orthostatic hypotension is a loss of consciousness with a sharp change in body position from horizontal to vertical, for example, when getting up from a bed. Because of this, the volume of circulating blood is redistributed and the blood supply to the brain is temporarily reduced. Often this condition occurs in pregnant women due to changes in the circulatory system and a shift in the center of gravity. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is important to avoid sudden movements and carefully get out of the car or get up from the chair.

Taking drugs to lower blood pressure. The goal of antihypertensive therapy is to achieve a sustained reduction in blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. st, but without episodes of a sharp decline. Inappropriate dosage of the drug can cause hypotension – this leads to weakness, fatigue during exercise and dizziness. In this case, it is necessary to conduct daily monitoring of blood pressure and adjust therapy.

Fainting is a short-term loss of consciousness due to impaired blood supply to the brain. For a complete loss of consciousness, a sudden cessation of cerebral blood flow for 6–8 seconds is sufficient.

Types of fainting:

• reflex, from fear, pain, heat or stuffiness;
• orthostatic, with a sharp transition to a vertical position;
• cardiogenic, with diseases of the heart or blood vessels, as well as due to cardiac arrhythmias.

After a sudden loss of consciousness, especially if this is a repeated case, you need to seek medical help. You may need to consult a therapist, cardiologist, neurologist. In addition, it is important to undergo examinations: Holter monitoring, record an ECG and conduct an MRI of the brain. And also examine the level of sugar, iron and thyroid hormones.

Prevention of a sharp drop in blood pressure

Avoid situations that provoke a decrease in pressure (do not get out of bed abruptly, try to avoid stuffy and hot rooms, as well as stress).

A quick intake of cold water can also prevent orthostatic hypotension (fainting with a sudden change in body position).

Simple exercises such as crossing the legs, clenching the hand into a fist can help to quickly and effectively increase blood pressure and prevent fainting.

Tilt training—Regular training that mimics getting up from a prone position in young people with recurrent syncope can significantly reduce the incidence of hypotensive conditions.

First aid for fainting

With a sharp drop in blood pressure, you need to lie down, raise your legs higher and open a window to increase oxygen access and, if possible, drink water.

To maintain a normal level of blood pressure at any age, the following are important: constant physical activity, sufficient fluid intake and a balanced diet. It is important to remember that normal pressure numbers are less than 140/90 mmHg Art.

Pediatric cardiologist
Nutritionist (nutritionist)
Cardiologist
Family doctor
Therapist

RBC source

Related Articles

February 01, 2023

5 ways to prolong skin youth without a cosmetologist

By following these simple rules, you can help your skin stay fresh and young for as long as possible. Let’s make a reservation right away – miracles do not happen, and beautiful, radiant skin is possible only in a healthy person. Especially for Super, GMS Clinic’s leading therapist, PhD, head of Longevity Svetlana Artemova explains what can help your skin besides regular check-ups and following a healthy lifestyle.

Read article

November 11, 2022

Generic or original: how to quickly find your way around the pharmacy Is it so? And what’s the difference?

Read article

October 13, 2022

Why do we need functional diagnostics?

To make a complete diagnosis, the knowledge of the doctor and his ability to feel or listen to the patient with a phonendoscope may not be enough. More research is needed.

Read article

August 18, 2022

The main facts about separate meals: pros and cons

Text is not presented in full. You can read the entire article on RBC Style. Separate nutrition implies that food should be simple, and for better digestion, foods must be properly combined with each other. We understand whether this is so and what doctors think about separate nutrition.

Read article

July 23, 2022

Understanding lipid profile results

Text not fully provided. You can read the entire article on RBC Style. To understand why, due to high cholesterol, which does not bother a person and is “not visible on a plate”, you suddenly have to reconsider your habits, you need to figure out what this profile means.

Read article

July 18, 2022

Diabetes mellitus and chronic liver disease (Part 2)

Text provided incomplete. You can read the entire article on CyberLeninka. Features of the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other liver diseases.

Read article

Other articles by this author

July 18, 2022

Heart attack or not? How a heart attack masquerades as a panic attack and other ailments

A simple and easy to understand checklist from experts on how to recognize various heart related ailments.

Read
article

July 18, 2022

In the wake of the pandemic

Let’s figure out if there is a connection between COVID-19 infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome together with Natalia Polenova, family doctor at GMS Clinic.

Read
article

July 18, 2022

What to do if a person feels bad: a tactic that will save a life

A passer-by became ill. Or he fell and hit hard. Or suffocate. Few people know how to act in such a situation. In order to make it easier to superhero, we talked to a large number of experts and compiled a first aid guide for people in any incomprehensible situation.

Read
article

July 18, 2022

Why does the body need potassium and what foods contain it

Potassium is a trace element that helps the normal functioning of the nervous system, maintains heart health and muscle tone.