What does a blood pressure reading of 108/69 indicate. How can you maintain this ideal blood pressure level. What are the benefits of having optimal blood pressure. How to interpret blood pressure readings accurately.

Decoding Blood Pressure: Understanding the 108/69 Reading

A blood pressure reading of 108/69 mmHg is considered perfectly normal and aligns with the guidelines set by the American Heart Association. This reading falls within the ideal range of 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, indicating optimal cardiovascular health.

To break down the numbers:

• 108 represents the systolic pressure (pressure in arteries when the heart beats)
• 69 represents the diastolic pressure (pressure in arteries between heartbeats)

This reading suggests that your heart is functioning efficiently, pumping blood throughout your body with just the right amount of pressure. It’s a positive indicator of your overall health and lifestyle choices.

The Importance of Maintaining Ideal Blood Pressure

Maintaining a blood pressure of 108/69 or within the normal range offers numerous health benefits. Here are some advantages of keeping your blood pressure at an optimal level:

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Better kidney function
• Improved cognitive health
• Enhanced overall cardiovascular health
• Lower risk of vision problems
• Decreased likelihood of developing diabetes

Given these benefits, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain this ideal blood pressure and what factors can influence it.

Factors Influencing Blood Pressure Readings

While a reading of 108/69 is excellent, it’s important to note that blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors. Understanding these can help you interpret your readings more accurately:

1. Time of day: Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day, typically being lowest during sleep and rising upon waking.
2. Physical activity: Exercise can temporarily elevate blood pressure.
3. Stress levels: Stress and anxiety can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure.
4. Diet: Consuming high-sodium foods or caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure.
5. Medications: Some medications can affect blood pressure readings.
6. Measurement technique: Improper cuff size or position can lead to inaccurate readings.

Given these variables, it’s recommended to take multiple readings over time to get a more accurate picture of your blood pressure status.

Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Blood Pressure

If you’ve achieved a blood pressure of 108/69, congratulations! Now, the goal is to maintain this healthy level. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is particularly effective for blood pressure management.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your blood pressure.

4. Limit Sodium Intake

Aim to consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. For some individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, further reduction to 1,500 mg per day may be beneficial.

5. Manage Stress

Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help keep your blood pressure in check.

6. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure and contribute to long-term cardiovascular problems. Quitting can significantly improve your overall health.

The Role of Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring

Even with a healthy reading of 108/69, regular monitoring is essential. Here’s why:

• Detect changes early: Regular monitoring can help you catch any deviations from your normal range early.
• Track effectiveness of lifestyle changes: If you’re making dietary or exercise changes, monitoring can show you their impact.
• Provide valuable data for healthcare providers: Regular readings give your doctor a more comprehensive view of your cardiovascular health.

For most people with normal blood pressure, checking once or twice a year is sufficient. However, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Understanding Blood Pressure Categories

To put your 108/69 reading into context, it’s helpful to understand the different blood pressure categories:

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

Your reading of 108/69 falls comfortably within the normal range, indicating optimal cardiovascular health.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While a blood pressure of 108/69 is healthy, there are instances when you should consult a healthcare professional:

• If you notice a significant change in your usual blood pressure readings
• If you experience symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke
• If you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Remember, your blood pressure is just one aspect of your overall health. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important for comprehensive health monitoring.

Debunking Common Blood Pressure Myths

There are several misconceptions about blood pressure that can lead to confusion. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth 1: High blood pressure always has symptoms

Fact: High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. Regular checks are crucial for early detection.

Myth 2: Young people don’t need to worry about blood pressure

Fact: While hypertension is more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in blood pressure levels.

Myth 3: Low blood pressure is always better

Fact: While lower is generally better, blood pressure that’s too low can cause issues like dizziness and fainting. The ideal range is between 90/60 and 120/80 mmHg.

Myth 4: Blood pressure medication is a cure

Fact: Blood pressure medications help manage hypertension but don’t cure it. Lifestyle changes are often necessary alongside medication for optimal results.

Understanding these facts can help you better manage your blood pressure and overall health.

The Impact of Technology on Blood Pressure Management

Advancements in technology have revolutionized how we monitor and manage blood pressure. Here are some innovations making a difference:

1. Wearable Blood Pressure Monitors

Smartwatches and fitness trackers now offer continuous blood pressure monitoring, providing real-time data and trends over time.

2. Smartphone Apps

Various apps can help you track your blood pressure readings, set reminders for measurements, and even share data with your healthcare provider.

3. Telemedicine

Virtual consultations allow for remote blood pressure monitoring and management, increasing access to healthcare professionals.

4. AI-Powered Analysis

Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze blood pressure data, helping to predict trends and potential health risks.

While these technologies offer convenience and insights, it’s important to use them in conjunction with professional medical advice.

Lifestyle Choices for Long-Term Blood Pressure Management

Maintaining a blood pressure of 108/69 or within the normal range is an ongoing process. Here are some lifestyle choices that can contribute to long-term blood pressure management:

1. Mindful Eating

Focus on a balanced diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients have been shown to support healthy blood pressure levels.

2. Regular Sleep Patterns

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep has been linked to increased blood pressure.

3. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume and supports overall cardiovascular health.

4. Limit Caffeine

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe, excessive intake can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress, a known contributor to high blood pressure.

6. Stay Socially Connected

Strong social connections have been linked to better overall health, including lower blood pressure.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can help maintain your healthy blood pressure levels for years to come.

Remember, while a blood pressure of 108/69 is excellent, continued vigilance and healthy habits are key to maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. Regular check-ups, a balanced lifestyle, and staying informed about your health are the best strategies for long-term well-being.

Blood Pressure 108/69: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 108/69 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 108/69 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 108/69 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 108/69 blood pressure.

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

What does a 108/69 blood pressure mean?

The blood pressure reading 108/69 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 108/69 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.

108/69 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 108/69 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 108/69.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 108/69 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 108/69 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 108/69 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 108/69 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?

108/69 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 108/69 is the ideal blood pressure, and you can keep doing whatever you have been doing so far.

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

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

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

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

2. What is considered to be high blood pressure?

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

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

3. What is considered to be low blood pressure?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Can smoking and alcohol affect my blood pressure?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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108/69 blood pressure – is it good or bad?

Home > Resources > Blood pressure lookup > 108/69

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout your life is one of the most important things you can do for long-term health and longevity. Whether you’re looking up a blood pressure of 108/69 for yourself or a loved one or simply out of your own curiosity, you’re taking the right steps by being informed and empowering yourself or someone else to be their own best advocate.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 108/69 would be considered
normal. Blood pressure is considered normal when the systolic reading (the top number) is between 90-119 and the diastolic reading (the bottom number) is less than 80.

Okay, now you know how to classify a blood pressure of 108/69, but now what do you do with that information? Read on to learn more or look up another blood pressure reading.

What is a good blood pressure reading?

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

More information about a blood pressure reading of 108/69

A blood pressure reading of 108/69 is pronounced “108 over 69.” You may also see it written colloquially as 108/69 bp.

In a blood pressure reading of 108/69, 108 is called the systolic number and 69 is called the diastolic number. Systolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries, and diastolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. You may also hear the systolic and diastolic numbers referred to as the top number and the bottom number.

Systolic and diastolic readings are measured in mmHg, which is a unit of pressure equal to the pressure that can support a column of mercury 1 millimeter high. Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury. For a blood pressure reading of 108/69, you would pronounce it “108 over 69 millimeters of mercury.”

How do you measure blood pressure?

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

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

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

Blood pressure tends to rise in the hours before waking and then drop in the afternoon and evening before dropping to its lowest point while sleeping, so one popular recommendation is to check it just after waking up and just before bed to identify trends in how it varies from morning until night. Because of this, you might find that if your blood pressure is 108/69 in the morning, it might be lower before bed, and vice versa. Of course, these are just general rules of thumb and may vary by the individual.

Relevant HSA expenses

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

How the heck do you pronounce sphygmomanometer?

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

Explore blood pressure readings similar to 108/69

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

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

Sources

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

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

Reading blood pressure readings

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

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

Which number is more important?

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

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

Blood pressure ranges

In our country, we adhere to the standards of the European Society for the Study of Hypertension, 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 doctor. 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.

Norm of pressure by age in men, women and children and deviations from the norm

Published:

June 12, 2023, 15:39

• nur.kz/health/healthy-lifestyle/1740939-arterialnoe-davlenie-norma-po-vozrastu/”>

The doctor measures the patient’s blood pressure with a tonometer: Freepik

Blood pressure shows the force with which blood presses against the walls of blood vessels. Low and high blood pressure is dangerous, so it is important to maintain the norm. What are the norms for different ages?

What is blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force with which blood presses against the walls of the arteries when the heart pumps blood. The results are displayed as two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by the heart contracting and pushing blood out. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Blood pressure levels are classified based on these two numbers, the NIA explains:

1. Low blood pressure or hypotension is systolic BP below 90 and diastolic BP below 60.
2. Normal BP for most adults is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80.
3. Elevated BP is defined as systolic pressure between 120 and 12 9 s diastolic pressure less than 80.
4. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 or more and a diastolic pressure of 80 or more.

Semi-automatic blood pressure monitor and cardiogram printout: Freepik

Some medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease and thyroid problems can cause high blood pressure. The risk of hypertension increases in such cases:

1. Age. The likelihood of high blood pressure increases with age, especially in isolated systolic hypertension.
2. Pos. By age 55, men are more likely to have high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menopause.
3. Overweight. Being overweight and obese is associated with a risk of hypertension. Each extra kilogram adds 1-2 mm Hg. Art.
4. Family history. High blood pressure runs in some families.
5. Race. African Americans have an increased risk of high blood pressure.

What pressure is considered dangerous? With a blood pressure of 180/120 and above, a hypertensive crisis occurs, writes Dr. Jabin Begum, and life is threatened. In this case, you need to call emergency medical help.

Norms of blood pressure at different ages

The level of blood pressure depends on sex and age. So, for children, lower numbers of both systolic and diastolic pressure are characteristic. Sheryl Huggins Salomon calls blood pressure norms for children of different ages:

Children’s blood pressure norms: NUR.KZ

As we age, blood vessels tend to become stiffer, and fatty material can accumulate in them, which increases blood pressure. If the pressure gets too high, the person is at greater risk of heart disease and stroke.

Blood pressure norms for men and women according to age are listed by Cheryl Huggins Salomon:

Blood pressure norms for men and women: NUR. KZ

What pressure is considered normal at 65? In older people over 60, the first number (systolic) is normally 130 or higher, but the second number (diastolic) is less than 80. This is due to age-related stiffness of the main arteries. So, for men 60+, a pressure of 133/69 mm Hg is considered the norm. Art., and for women of this age – 133/68 mm Hg. Art.

Is it necessary to reduce the pressure 150 by 90? It depends on what kind of blood pressure in a particular person is considered normal, and also what caused the increase in pressure. If the pressure has increased as a result of physical activity, stress, the use of caffeine or medications, then usually the numbers return to normal without the help of medications.

A man measures his blood pressure and shows the monitor of an automatic blood pressure monitor: Freepik

If a person often experiences high blood pressure, has diagnosed hypertension, and regularly takes drugs to reduce pressure, then the pressure should be reduced. If this is the first time a person experiences a sudden increase in blood pressure, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any pills. In addition, it is important to pay attention to accompanying symptoms. Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, changes in vision indicate the need for medical attention.

Blood pressure rises with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking can help reduce the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).

The average normal pressure for men and women is 120/80 mmHg. Art. However, the norms differ depending on age, weight, concomitant diseases. Measure your blood pressure regularly to find out your norm and maintain the optimal blood pressure level for health.

Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the methods of treatment described in it without first consulting a doctor.

Sources:

1. Jabeen Begum. Diastole vs. Systole: Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers // WebMD.