Blood pressure 111 55. Blood Pressure 111/55: Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Its Implications

25.07.202312.06.2023 by alexxlab

What does a blood pressure reading of 111/55 indicate. How can you manage low blood pressure effectively. What are the potential health risks associated with hypotension. How can lifestyle changes and diet improve low blood pressure.

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Decoding Blood Pressure: What Does 111/55 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 111/55 mmHg is considered low blood pressure, also known as hypotension. This occurs when the pressure exerted by blood flowing through vessels is lower than expected. Normal blood pressure typically ranges between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. When readings fall below 90/60 mmHg, it’s classified as hypotension.

In this case, 111 represents the systolic pressure (when the heart contracts), while 55 represents the diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes between beats). Both these numbers are lower than ideal, indicating that the heart may not be pumping blood efficiently to all parts of the body.

Is 111/55 Dangerously Low?

While 111/55 is considered low, it’s not necessarily dangerous for everyone. Some people naturally have lower blood pressure without experiencing symptoms. However, if this reading is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or fatigue, it may require medical attention.

Symptoms and Risks of Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension can manifest in various ways, and recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention:

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

If left untreated, chronic low blood pressure can lead to more severe complications:

Heart problems: Inadequate blood flow can strain the heart.
Organ damage: Insufficient blood supply can affect kidney and brain function.
Falls and injuries: Dizziness and fainting increase the risk of accidents.
Shock: In extreme cases, a dramatic drop in blood pressure can be life-threatening.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Understanding the underlying causes of hypotension is essential for effective treatment. Some common factors include:

Dehydration
Blood loss
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)
Endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid problems, diabetes)
Heart problems (e.g., bradycardia, heart valve issues)
Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, folic acid)
Pregnancy
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Neurological disorders

Can Stress Cause Low Blood Pressure?

Contrary to popular belief, stress can indeed cause low blood pressure in some individuals. While stress is often associated with hypertension, the body’s response to stress varies. In some cases, the stress response can trigger a drop in blood pressure, especially in people prone to vasovagal reactions.

Diagnosing and Confirming Low Blood Pressure

If you’ve measured your blood pressure at home and obtained a reading of 111/55, it’s crucial to have this confirmed by a healthcare professional. Here’s why:

Home blood pressure monitors may not always be accurate.
User error can lead to incorrect readings.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day.
White coat hypertension or masked hypertension can affect readings in clinical settings.

A doctor will typically monitor your blood pressure over 7-30 days to establish a reliable baseline. They may also conduct additional tests to identify underlying causes, such as:

Blood tests to check for anemia or hormonal imbalances
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function
Echocardiogram to examine heart structure
Stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular health
Tilt table test to diagnose neurally mediated hypotension

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Low Blood Pressure

Making certain lifestyle modifications can help improve blood pressure levels:

1. Stay Hydrated

Increasing fluid intake is crucial for maintaining blood volume. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, and consider electrolyte-rich beverages for added benefits.

2. Adjust Your Diet

Incorporate more salt into your diet (unless contraindicated by other health conditions). Foods high in vitamin B12, folate, and iron can also help combat anemia-related hypotension.

3. Exercise Regularly

Engage in moderate exercise to improve circulation and heart health. Start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming, and gradually increase intensity.

4. Wear Compression Stockings

These can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs, promoting better circulation throughout the body.

5. Avoid Sudden Movements

Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness and fainting.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can lead to dehydration and blood vessel dilation, potentially exacerbating low blood pressure.

7. Manage Stress

Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help regulate your body’s stress response.

Dietary Recommendations for Low Blood Pressure

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing hypotension. Consider incorporating these foods:

Salt: Increase sodium intake (consult your doctor first)
Fluids: Water, coconut water, soups, broths
Caffeine: Coffee or tea in moderation
High-sodium foods: Pickles, olives, canned soups (in moderation)
Vitamin B12-rich foods: Eggs, fortified cereals, lean meats
Folate sources: Leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, spinach, lentils
Whole grains: For sustained energy

Are There Any Foods to Avoid?

While focusing on beneficial foods, it’s also important to limit or avoid:

Alcohol: Can worsen dehydration and lower blood pressure
High-carb meals: May cause a temporary drop in blood pressure
Diuretic beverages: Limit caffeine and herbal teas with diuretic properties

Medical Treatments for Hypotension

When lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, your doctor may recommend medical interventions:

1. Medications

Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor might prescribe:

Fludrocortisone: To increase blood volume
Midodrine: To tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure
Droxidopa: For neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

2. Adjusting Current Medications

If your low blood pressure is a side effect of other medications, your doctor may adjust dosages or switch to alternatives.

3. Treating Underlying Conditions

Addressing health issues like heart problems or endocrine disorders can often resolve hypotension.

Monitoring and Long-Term Management

Managing low blood pressure is an ongoing process. Here are some tips for long-term success:

Keep a blood pressure diary: Record readings at different times of the day.
Use a reliable home blood pressure monitor: Ensure it’s calibrated and used correctly.
Schedule regular check-ups: Follow up with your healthcare provider to track progress.
Be aware of your symptoms: Learn to recognize signs of low blood pressure.
Stay informed: Keep up with the latest research on hypotension management.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

While managing low blood pressure, it’s crucial to know when to seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services if you experience:

Severe dizziness or fainting
Confusion or disorientation
Rapid, shallow breathing
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Blurred vision or sudden vision changes
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Remember, these symptoms could indicate a severe drop in blood pressure that requires urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Blood Pressure

To address common concerns about hypotension, let’s explore some frequently asked questions:

Can low blood pressure affect pregnancy?

Low blood pressure is common during pregnancy, especially in the first 24 weeks. While usually harmless, severe hypotension can reduce blood flow to the fetus. Pregnant women should monitor their blood pressure regularly and consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of low blood pressure.

Is low blood pressure genetic?

Genetics can play a role in blood pressure regulation. Some people may inherit a tendency towards lower blood pressure. However, lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions often have a more significant impact on blood pressure levels.

Can anxiety cause low blood pressure?

While anxiety is more commonly associated with high blood pressure, it can cause low blood pressure in some individuals. This is particularly true for those prone to vasovagal reactions, where emotional stress triggers a sudden drop in blood pressure.

How does altitude affect blood pressure?

High altitudes can initially cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to lower oxygen levels. However, as the body acclimates, blood pressure typically returns to normal. People with existing blood pressure issues should consult their doctor before traveling to high-altitude locations.

Can dehydration cause long-term low blood pressure?

Chronic dehydration can lead to persistent low blood pressure. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining blood volume and pressure. If you struggle with staying hydrated, consider setting reminders or using apps to track your fluid intake.

Is low blood pressure more common in certain age groups?

Low blood pressure can affect people of all ages, but it’s more common in older adults. Age-related changes in the cardiovascular system and increased use of medications that can lower blood pressure contribute to this trend. However, young adults and even children can experience hypotension due to various factors.

Can low blood pressure affect cognitive function?

Yes, chronic low blood pressure can impact cognitive function. Insufficient blood flow to the brain may lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. If you notice cognitive changes alongside symptoms of low blood pressure, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.

Understanding and managing low blood pressure is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. A blood pressure reading of 111/55 mmHg serves as a reminder to pay attention to your cardiovascular health. By implementing lifestyle changes, following dietary recommendations, and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can effectively manage hypotension and reduce associated risks. Remember, consistent monitoring and proactive management are key to maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and ensuring a healthy, active life.

Blood Pressure 111/55: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 111/55 indicates that you are having a LOW BLOOD PRESSURE which can be an immediate health crisis if the levels are too low.

This article tells you:

What does a 111/55 blood pressure mean?
What should you do if you have 111/55 blood pressure?
Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 111/55 blood pressure.

The blood pressure value of 111/55 specifies the fact that the individual in question is suffering from low blood pressure or hypotension.

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 111/55.

If your blood is 111/55 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 111/55 is, in fact, clinically valid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you have 111/55, the above-mentioned comorbidities may follow; if correctly, medical attention is not sought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Together, you can come up with the best solutions for you, especially when your blood pressure reading is 111/55.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

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

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

2. What is considered to be high blood pressure?

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

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

3. What is considered to be low blood pressure?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Can smoking and alcohol affect my blood pressure?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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111/55 blood pressure – is it good or bad?

Home > Resources > Blood pressure lookup > 111/55

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout your life is one of the most important things you can do for long-term health and longevity. Whether you’re looking up a blood pressure of 111/55 for yourself or a loved one or simply out of your own curiosity, you’re taking the right steps by being informed and empowering yourself or someone else to be their own best advocate.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 111/55 would be considered
hypotension, or low blood pressure. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is defined by a systolic reading (the top number) of less than 90 or a diastolic reading (the bottom number) of less than 60. Low blood pressure generally isn’t considered an issue unless it causes symptoms (such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting) or unless it drops suddenly.

Okay, now you know how to classify a blood pressure of 111/55, but now what do you do with that information? Read on to learn more or look up another blood pressure reading.

What is a good blood pressure reading?

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

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 111/55 in the morning, it might be lower before bed, and vice versa. Of course, these are just general rules of thumb and may vary by the individual.

Relevant HSA expenses

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

How the heck do you pronounce sphygmomanometer?

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

Explore blood pressure readings similar to 111/55

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

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

← Prev systolic num	Next systolic num →
110/55 blood pressure	112/55 blood pressure

← Prev diastolic num	Next diastolic num →
111/54 blood pressure	111/56 blood pressure

Sources

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

Disclaimer

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

Arterial hypertension: stages and risks

The word “hypertension” is literally translated from Latin as “overstress”. What are the stages and degrees of hypertension and how many risk factors affect its development – in detail in our article.

Doctors distinguish three degrees and three stages of the disease. These concepts are often confused, but there is a significant difference between them.

Degrees of arterial hypertension

This is a classification according to the levels of blood pressure (BP): upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic).

Extended classification of blood pressure levels (according to the National Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypertension). It is a mistake to consider blood pressure as a “purely technical indicator”: the higher its constant level, the more serious the situation

Stages of arterial hypertension

Here, the division into categories is already according to the severity of changes in the body: how pronounced these changes are and how much the target organs suffer – blood vessels, heart and kidneys. Their defeat is a separate criterion for risk assessment.

The term “hypertension” was proposed by G.F. Lang in 1948 and corresponds to the term “essential hypertension” (hypertension), which is used in foreign countries.

At any stage of the disease, pressure can also correspond to any degree – from the first to the third. This is very individual, therefore, in addition to the indicators on the tonometer, one should be guided by the survey data. Specific indicators are always taken into account when prescribing therapy, recommendations and forecasts.

Arterial hypertension Ⅰ stage

With regular visits to the doctor and adherence to the rules of life, hypertension does not require serious medical intervention, if there is no deterioration in health.
The prognosis depends on the level of blood pressure and the number of risk factors: smoking, obesity, cholesterol levels, etc.

Arterial hypertension Ⅱ stage

If the process is not corrected in time with drugs, the disease can progress and go into the third stage. There is only one way to avoid this: monitor the state of your cardiovascular system and undergo regular examinations.

Arterial hypertension Ⅲ stages

In this condition, drugs are required not only to reduce pressure, but also to treat concomitant diseases. The recommendation is also relevant for the first two stages of hypertension, if the patient is diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease or other pathologies.

Arterial hypertension – 4 risk groups

In order to protect the heart and blood vessels from damage and not to miss the state when it is already too late, you need to know what factors the course of the disease depends on.

4 groups of risk factors:

low risk;
moderate;
high;
very tall.

There is a direct relationship between risk factors and classification according to the severity of the disease. It is clearly shown in the National Clinical Guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Arterial hypertension in adults”.

To determine your risk group, you need to know the level of blood pressure and the stage of the disease.

High and very high risk groups

These conditions are considered the most serious and require special attention.

With a combination of more than three risk factors and arterial hypertension 2 degrees, the patient falls into a high-risk group. It also includes everyone who has at least one of the following indicators significantly expressed:

increase in total cholesterol from 8 mmol / l (310 mg / dl),
hypertension of the third degree ( systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 180 mm Hg, diastolic – greater than 110 mm Hg),
chronic kidney disease of the third stage,
left ventricular hypertrophy,
diabetes mellitus without target organ damage.

Very high risk patients are those with any of the following:

Atherosclerotic diseases of the heart and blood vessels, confirmed clinically or during imaging studies (ASCV). This may include stable angina, coronary revascularization (coronary bypass surgery and other arterial revascularization procedures), stroke and transient ischemic attacks, previous acute coronary syndrome (heart attack or unstable angina), and peripheral arterial disease. The results of imaging studies that are significant for the prediction of clinical events are necessarily taken into account: a significant amount of plaques on coronary angiograms or computed tomography scans (multivascular coronary artery disease with stenosis of the two main epicardial arteries by more than 50%) or according to the results of ultrasound of the carotid arteries.
Diabetes mellitus with damage to target organs, or the presence of at least three significant risk factors from those indicated in the next part of the article, diabetes mellitus of the first type of early manifestation and long course (more than 20 years) is also equated here.
Severe chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2).
Familial hypercholesterolemia with ASCVD or other significant risk factor.

The degree of arterial hypertension in this case can be the first, second or third.

With any provoking factors (for example, smoking or alcohol abuse), the threat to health and life in this state increases.

If you find yourself in a high or moderately high risk group, you should contact a cardiologist as soon as possible

Common cardiovascular risk factors in hypertension

Male gender.
Age over 55 for men and over 65 for women.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Dyslipidemia – elevated levels of fats in the blood (each indicator of lipid metabolism is taken into account).
The level of total cholesterol is more than 4.9 mmol / l (190 mg / dl).
Alternate measures: LDL cholesterol over 3.0 mmol/L (115 mg/dL) and/or HDL cholesterol under 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) in men, less than 1 in women 2 mmol/l (46 mg/dl).
Triglycerides more than 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL).
Elevated fasting blood glucose: 5.6–6.9 mmol/L on fasting test (101–125 mg/dL) or n.
Impaired glucose tolerance: during the test, glucose levels from 7.8 mmol / l to 11.0 mmol / l should alert.
Obesity: body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more, waist circumference of more than 102 cm in men, more than 88 cm in women.
The presence of relatives in whom cardiovascular diseases manifested themselves before the age of 55, if we talk about men, or before 65 years, if we talk about women.

According to the European Society of Cardiology, men are more likely to develop hypertension than women, especially after age 55.

The most dangerous conditions for arterial hypertension

Diagnosed heart diseases: myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, angina pectoris.
Vascular diseases: acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization or arterial revascularization of any other localization, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial pathology.
Presence of atherosclerotic plaques in vessels on imaging.
Diabetes mellitus with damage to target organs or its combination with the main provoking factors.
Severe chronic kidney disease.

In any of these cases, the patient needs therapy under the supervision of a doctor.

If you find yourself in one of the risk categories, you must:

measure blood pressure every day and record the results;
even with the first degree of the disease – consult a doctor to establish causes of arterial hypertension ;
control the state of health – for example, do not violate the principles of nutrition in diabetes;
analyze what kind of lifestyle is recommended in your condition and follow these rules.

If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and control your well-being, you can avoid critical consequences even in a high-risk group. If you eliminate bad habits and revise your lifestyle, the pressure may begin to decrease in 1-2 weeks. With hypertension of the first degree, such measures, taken on time, can slow down the development of the disease and, in some cases, reduce the need for drug therapy.

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

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

Why do we need two indicators?

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

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

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

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

What should the lower pressure be?

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

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

Natalya Gulyaeva — cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences.

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

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

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

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

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

What if the difference is less than the norm?

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

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

When should I measure pressure?

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

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

How to measure blood pressure at home?

If you notice that your blood pressure is not normal, you should see a doctor, even if you do not have any other symptoms. But first you need to prepare.

– 5-7 days you need to monitor the pressure at home, in the usual calm environment, advises Natalya Gulyaeva. – You need to measure it in the morning within half an hour after waking up in comfortable clothes and a comfortable position. Three times measured, recorded the average figure. The same thing needs to be done in the evening, not running from work or training, but in a calm home environment. This home pressure monitoring will be important for the doctor, because in the office patients often worry and give increased numbers.

What else to read about health?

Why a blood clot forms and how to avoid it;
Is there a stroke in young people and is there any prevention;
What tests should everyone have every year.