What does a 113/68 blood pressure mean? How to maintain ideal blood pressure? Get answers to frequently asked questions about 113/68 blood pressure.

What Does a 113/68 Blood Pressure Mean?

A blood pressure of 113/68 indicates that your blood pressure is perfectly normal, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines. This reading suggests that your heart is functioning in a healthy manner, pumping blood effectively throughout your body.

Ideal blood pressure, which falls between 90/60 and 120/80, signifies that the blood flowing through your vessels is applying just the right amount of pressure. This allows your heart to efficiently circulate blood to all parts of your body.

A 113/68 blood pressure reading is a positive sign, as it means you are not at a prominent risk of heart disease. Maintaining this level of blood pressure can provide several health benefits, such as protecting you from heart problems, regulating your body weight, and decreasing the likelihood of stroke and kidney failure.

What Should You Do If You Have 113/68 Blood Pressure?

If you have a blood pressure of 113/68, here are the steps you should take:

1. Get it confirmed by a doctor

Even though your home reading shows 113/68, it’s important to have a trained professional clinically assess your condition and confirm the accuracy of this reading. This is because there can be instances where home readings may be inaccurate due to factors like device errors, your physical or mental state on a particular day, or conditions like white coat hypertension or masked hypertension.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

To keep your blood pressure in the ideal range, you should adopt the following healthy habits:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Engage in regular exercise
• Limit salt intake
• Take necessary supplements as advised
• Prioritize rest and sleep
• Quit smoking and moderate alcohol consumption
• Manage stress and anxiety

3. No need for medication, for now

With a 113/68 blood pressure reading, you do not require any medications. Your focus should be on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep your blood pressure in the ideal range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I maintain my 113/68 blood pressure?

To maintain your ideal 113/68 blood pressure, focus on following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper rest, and stress management. Limit salt intake, quit smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption.

Is 113/68 blood pressure considered high or low?

No, a blood pressure of 113/68 is not considered high or low. It falls within the ideal range of 90/60 to 120/80, as per the American Heart Association guidelines. This reading indicates a healthy, well-functioning cardiovascular system.

What are the benefits of having a 113/68 blood pressure?

Having a 113/68 blood pressure provides several health benefits, including:

• Protection from heart problems
• Regulation of body weight
• Decreased risk of stroke and kidney failure
• Proper mineral regulation in the body
• Reduced likelihood of diabetes and endocrine issues

Do I need to take any medications for a 113/68 blood pressure?

No, you do not need to take any medications for a 113/68 blood pressure reading. This is considered an ideal blood pressure, and as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, there is no need for any medical intervention.

How often should I monitor my 113/68 blood pressure?

Even though your 113/68 blood pressure is considered ideal, it’s still a good idea to monitor it regularly, either at home or at your doctor’s office. This will help ensure that your blood pressure remains within the healthy range and that you can make any necessary lifestyle adjustments if needed.

Can stress affect my 113/68 blood pressure?

Yes, stress can potentially affect your blood pressure, even if it’s normally in the ideal 113/68 range. Chronic stress can cause your blood pressure to rise, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities.

Conclusion

A blood pressure reading of 113/68 is an indicator of excellent cardiovascular health. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your blood pressure in this ideal range, which in turn provides numerous benefits for your overall well-being. Remember to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional, and make any necessary adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management practices to ensure you maintain this optimal level of blood pressure.

Blood Pressure 113/68: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 113/68 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 113/68 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 113/68 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 113/68 blood pressure.

What does a 113/68 blood pressure mean?

9 Signs of High Blood Pressure and …

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

The blood pressure reading 113/68 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 113/68 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.

113/68 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 113/68 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 113/68.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 113/68 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 113/68 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 113/68 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 113/68 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?

113/68 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 113/68 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

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Hypertension, How to Measure, and More

Having a systolic or diastolic blood pressure reading that is too high may mean you have high blood pressure. Doctors then categorize high blood pressure into stages.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the extent of the force of blood on your blood vessel walls as your heart pumps. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Systolic blood pressure is the top number in a reading. It measures the pressure on blood vessels as your heart squeezes blood out to your body.

Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number in a reading. It measures the pressure on blood vessels in between heartbeats while your heart fills up with blood returning from your body.

It’s important to manage your blood pressure.

Hypotension, or blood pressure that’s too low, can cause serious symptoms, like dizziness or fainting. Severely low blood pressure can damage organs by depriving them of blood flow and oxygen.

Hypertension, or blood pressure that’s too high, can put you at risk for:

• heart disease
• vision loss
• kidney failure
• stroke

To manage your blood pressure, you need to know which blood pressure numbers are ideal and which ones are cause for concern.

In general, meeting the criteria for hypotension has more to do with symptoms and specific situations than with exact numbers. But institutions like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) consider people hypotensive if their blood pressure falls within this range:

The numbers for hypotension serve as a guide, while the numbers for hypertension are more precise. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), these ranges represent normal, elevated, or high blood pressure:

When looking at these numbers, notice that only one of them needs to be too high to put you in a hypertensive category. For example, if your blood pressure is 119/81, you’d be considered to have stage 1 hypertension.

Blood pressure levels for children

Blood pressure levels are different for children than they are for adults. Children’s blood pressure targets are determined by several factors, like their age, sex, and height.

Talk with your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about their blood pressure. The pediatrician can walk you through the charts and help you understand your child’s blood pressure.

There are a few ways to check your blood pressure. For example, your doctor can check your blood pressure in their office. Many pharmacies also offer free blood pressure monitoring stations.

You can also check it at home using home blood pressure monitors. These are available for purchase from pharmacies and medical supply stores.

The AHA recommends using an automatic home blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure on your upper arm. Wrist or finger blood pressure monitors are also available but may not be as accurate.

When taking your blood pressure, make sure you take the following steps:

• Sit still, with your back straight, feet supported, and legs uncrossed.
• Keep your upper arm at heart level.
• Have the middle of the cuff rest directly above the elbow.
• Avoid exercise, caffeine, or smoking for 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.

Your reading may indicate a blood pressure problem even if only one number is high. No matter what category of blood pressure you have, it’s important to monitor it regularly. Talk with a doctor about how often you should check your blood pressure at home.

Write the results in a blood pressure journal and share them with the doctor. It’s a good idea to take your blood pressure more than once at one sitting, with 1 minute between each reading.

For low blood pressure

Your doctor may not treat low blood pressure if you don’t have symptoms.

Low blood pressure is often caused by another health condition or concern, like:

• a thyroid problem
• medication side effects
• dehydration
• diabetes
• bleeding

The doctor will likely address that health condition or concern first.

If it’s unclear why your blood pressure is low, treatment options may include:

• eating more salt
• drinking more water
• wearing compression stockings to help prevent blood from pooling in your legs
• taking a corticosteroid like fludrocortisone to help increase blood volume

For high blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may watch it closely. This is because it’s a risk factor for heart disease.

Having elevated blood pressure puts you at risk for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, cutting back on alcohol, and exercising regularly. These may help bring your blood pressure numbers down. You may not need prescription medications.

If you have stage 1 hypertension, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medication. They may prescribe a drug like:

• a diuretic
• an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
• an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
• a calcium channel blocker

Stage 2 hypertension may require treatment with lifestyle changes and a combination of medications.

Unmanaged low or high blood pressure may cause serious complications.

If your blood pressure’s low

Low blood pressure may cause:

• dizziness
• fainting
• injury from falls
• heart damage
• brain damage
• other organ damage

If your blood pressure’s high

High blood pressure is much more common than low blood pressure.

It’s hard to know when your blood pressure is high unless you’re monitoring it since high blood pressure doesn’t cause symptoms until you’re in hypertensive crisis. A hypertensive crisis requires emergency medical care.

Left unmanaged, high blood pressure may cause:

• stroke
• heart attack
• aortic dissection
• aneurysm
• metabolic syndrome
• kidney damage or malfunction
• vision loss
• memory problems
• fluid in the lungs

Lifestyle changes can help prevent high blood pressure. Try the following tips.

Tips to prevent high blood pressure

• Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and low fat protein.
• Reduce your sodium consumption. The AHA recommends keeping your sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams (mg), with ideally no more than 1,500 mg per day.
• Watch your portions to help you maintain a moderate weight.
• Consider quitting smoking, if you smoke.
• Exercise regularly. Start slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes of exercise most days.
• Practice stress-relief techniques, like meditation, yoga, and visualization. Chronic stress or very stressful events can send blood pressure soaring, so managing your stress may help manage your blood pressure.

Was this helpful?

People with chronic, untreated high blood pressure are more likely to develop a life threatening condition.

If you have low blood pressure, your outlook depends on its cause. If it’s caused by an untreated underlying condition, your symptoms may escalate.

You can reduce your risk of serious complications by managing your low or high blood pressure. This can involve lifestyle changes and prescribed medications. Talk with a doctor to find the best treatment for you.

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What does lower blood pressure show: what does a lower blood pressure indicator mean in a person – April 6, 2021

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.

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2

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 strength of the 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 time of relaxation of the heart muscle, it reflects the tone of the peripheral vessels.

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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 mm Hg. 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 a risk of cardiovascular complications such as stroke.

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4

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 diastolic pressure, especially in elderly patients, may indicate valvular heart disease. 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.

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5

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 kidney vessels, 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 levels 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.

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6

When should I measure pressure?

The fact that the pressure is not normal can be indicated by a lot of symptoms: general weakness, and an unmotivated feeling of malaise, fatigue, rapid pulse, unusual tachycardia, headaches, dizziness, 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.

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7

How to measure blood pressure at home?

If you notice that your blood pressure readings are 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.

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8

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.

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  Pain that cannot be: what is psychosomatics and how it is treated 0190 Ekaterina Bormotova

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  First aid for high blood pressure

  Reading time: 6 minutes

  Contents:

  What causes high blood pressure?
  What pressure is considered high and dangerous?
  Why is a sharp increase in blood pressure dangerous?
  What should I do if my blood pressure is high?
  How to prevent high blood pressure?

  Doctors call a sharp increase in blood pressure (BP) a hypertensive crisis – this is a really critical condition, it can be dangerous, therefore it requires an ambulance call ¹ . It can be faced by hypertensive patients who are used to taking pills to normalize blood pressure, as well as people who have not had such problems before ⁵ .

  What to do with high blood pressure? What to do before the arrival of the medical team? What mistakes should be avoided? We will answer these questions in the article.

  What causes high blood pressure?

  The level of blood pressure depends on three main factors – the tone of small arteries, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream and heart contractions ¹ . All this determines the pressure that the walls of the vessels experience while blood flows through them ⁶ . In hypertensive patients, the regulation of these processes is disturbed: there is a tendency to spasm of the arteries, fluid retention in the body and / or more active work of the heart. Therefore, even ordinary situations that are not dangerous for a healthy person can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in hypertensive patients ¹ .

  The following factors can provoke a hypertensive crisis ² :

  • emotional overstrain;
  • intense physical activity;
  • prolonged mental work without rest, especially if it is associated with great responsibility;
  • sleep deprivation;
  • drinking large amounts of water or salty foods;
  • weather changes, fluctuations in air temperature;
  • prolonged sun exposure;
  • loud noises, bright lights that cause overexertion;
  • excessive consumption of coffee;
  • smoking a lot of cigarettes;
  • certain food.

  Did you know that…

  Some types of cheese, such as cheddar, are high in tyramine. Once in the body, it stimulates the production of stress hormones (catecholamines), and they, in turn, cause spasm of the arteries, provoking an increase in pressure (arterial hypertension) ² .

  But most often, a pronounced rise in blood pressure is associated with the fact that a person forgets to take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, or stops taking them on his own, believing that since the pressure does not “jump” anymore, then you can not take medications ^{3. 5} . Poor adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension increases the risk of hypertensive crisis by 6 times ³ .

  What pressure is considered high and dangerous?

  The main and obligatory feature of a hypertensive crisis is a sharp increase in blood pressure to individually high (higher than usual) values ​​within minutes, a maximum of several hours ^{4 90 235 . For example, in humans, blood pressure usually reaches the level of 150/95 mm Hg. Art., but he does not feel any complaints at the same time. And with a rapid increase to 160/100 mm Hg. Art. or higher, various unpleasant symptoms occur.}

  For young people, even a slight rise in blood pressure can be dangerous, while in the elderly, symptoms of a crisis are sometimes absent even with high numbers ⁴ . Therefore, first of all, pay attention to your well-being.

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  Why is a sharp increase in blood pressure dangerous?

  With a rapid and sudden rise in blood pressure, “under the gun” are target organs – the heart, blood vessels, brain or kidneys. They are involved in the regulation of blood pressure in the normal. But when it “jumps” sharply, the mechanisms of blood flow regulation fail ^1.2 . Then the blood supply to the target organs is disturbed – the blood flows either little or in excess. In both cases, the function of the organ is impaired ² .

  In an uncomplicated crisis, a person is bothered ⁵ :

  • headache;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • muscle tremors;
  • increased sweating;
  • red spots on the skin;
  • heartbeat;
  • by the end of the crisis – copious excretion of urine;
  • occasional loose stools.

  In severe cases (with a complicated course), dangerous complications can develop – stroke, myocardial infarction, retinal detachment ¹ . The first signs of these conditions may be confusion, fainting, vomiting, chest pain, choking, numbness, or impaired speech ^{1. 5} .

  When to call an ambulance?

  It is impossible to know in advance whether a crisis will be limited to mild symptoms or lead to complications. Therefore, with any increase in pressure, you need to consult a specialist.

  Be sure to call an ambulance if ⁵ :

  • this is the first case of high blood pressure;
  • you are a “experienced” hypertensive patient;
  • you are over 60 years old;
  • you are pregnant;
  • you have a chronic disease (autoimmune disease, kidney disease or hormonal disorders).

  What should I do if my blood pressure is high?

  If you feel unwell, you need to measure your blood pressure. At values ​​160/90 mmHg Art. and above, take the drugs prescribed by your doctor in case of a sharp increase in blood pressure ⁷ .

  A hypertensive crisis can strike you anytime, anywhere. If you have a tendency to hypertension, it is advisable to form an individual mini-first aid kit and carry it with you at all times. In the first aid kit, you need to put the drugs that the doctor recommended to take as first aid for high blood pressure ⁷ .

  However, in a hypertensive crisis, “regular” tablets, or rather, their usual dosage, may be ineffective, especially if the “upper” pressure is above 200 mm Hg. Art.. Therefore, be sure to call an ambulance ⁷ .

  While waiting for a specialist , you can use the following tips:

  • postpone any classes ⁶ ;
  • remove bright light ⁷ ;
  • open shirt collar ⁷ ;
  • to supply fresh air, ventilate the room ⁷ ;
  • sit in a chair with armrests ⁷ ;
  • dip your feet, preferably in a container of hot water ⁷ ;
  • breathe slowly ⁶ ;
  • you can have a cup of sweet tea ⁷ .

  What not to do if your blood pressure rises ⁷ :

  • stand up abruptly;
  • sit down abruptly;
  • lie down;
  • bend over;
  • push hard;
  • perform any physical activity;
  • take drugs that the doctor did not prescribe.

  Check your blood pressure again 40-60 minutes after taking the medicine recommended by your doctor. If its level has decreased by 20-30 mm Hg. Art. from the initial and / or your health has improved, you can lie down on a bed with a raised headboard. Write down which drug and at what dosage you have taken – this information should be reported to the doctor ⁷ .

  How to prevent high blood pressure?

  The hypertensive crisis is over, but this does not mean that the pressure is under control. In order to prevent its increase again, you must follow all the instructions of the attending physician. Get ready to change your habits.

  In case of hypertension it is recommended:

  • limit salt, coffee and alcohol intake ¹ ;
  • be physically active ¹ ;
  • quit smoking ¹ ;
  • sleep 7-9 hours ⁶ ;
  • use techniques to deal with stress (walking outside, listening to music, doing a hobby that brings pleasure, trying breathing techniques or meditation) ⁶ ;
  • avoid fatty and very sweet foods ⁶ ;
  • eat more foods containing potassium and magnesium ¹ .

  Did you know that…

  Potassium and magnesium help prevent high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Potassium counteracts the vasoconstrictive effect of sodium, which comes with table salt. It also reduces the sensitivity of blood vessels to hormones that cause arterial spasm. Magnesium provides an optimal level of potassium inside the cells and promotes vasodilation ⁸ .

  Sufficient intake of potassium and magnesium is one way to prevent complications associated with hypertension. In addition, the use of potassium and magnesium preparations makes it possible to enhance the effects of drugs that are used to control pressure ⁸ .

  Panangin® is a preparation that contains potassium and magnesium with aspartic acid. The latter increases the permeability of cells to magnesium and potassium, and these trace elements are better absorbed. Potassium and magnesium help strengthen the heart muscle, control blood pressure and heart rate. Panangin® is a regular nutrition for the heart, which helps to make it stronger and keep life full ⁹ .

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  References:

  1. Roitberg G.E., Strutynsky A.V. Internal illnesses. Cardiovascular system: textbook. allowance. M. : MEDpress-inform, 2019. – 904 p. :
  2. Okorokov A. N. Diagnosis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels Volume 7. M .: Med.lit., 2003 – 416 p.
  3. Yevsyutina Yu.V. Hypertensive crisis in modern guidelines: how to avoid errors in diagnosis and treatment. Based on the materials of the congress “Man and medicine” and III cardio-summit. Archive of internal medicine. 2019; 9(6): 407-412.
  4. Filippova O.V. Crisis course of arterial hypertension at the prehospital stage: patient management algorithm. breast cancer. 2018; 1(II): 76–81.
  5. Algorithms for managing a patient with arterial hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Publication of the Russian Society of Cardiology.