What does a blood pressure reading of 100/70 indicate. How can you maintain this ideal blood pressure level. What are the benefits of having optimal blood pressure. How to prevent hypertension and hypotension.

Decoding Blood Pressure: What Does 100/70 Mean?

Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of overall health, and a reading of 100/70 is considered ideal. But what exactly does this number signify? The first number, 100, represents the systolic pressure, which is the force exerted on artery walls when the heart contracts. The second number, 70, is the diastolic pressure, measuring the force when the heart is at rest between beats.

A blood pressure of 100/70 falls within the normal range established by the American Heart Association, which considers readings between 90/60 and 120/80 as optimal. This indicates that your cardiovascular system is functioning efficiently, with blood flowing smoothly through your vessels without putting excessive strain on your heart or arteries.

Is 100/70 blood pressure too low?

No, a blood pressure of 100/70 is not considered too low. In fact, it’s within the ideal range for adults. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is typically diagnosed when readings consistently fall below 90/60. Unless accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or fainting, a 100/70 reading is generally a sign of good cardiovascular health.

The Health Benefits of Optimal Blood Pressure

Maintaining a blood pressure of 100/70 or within the normal range offers numerous health advantages. These benefits extend beyond just heart health and can positively impact various aspects of your overall well-being.

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Lower likelihood of stroke
• Decreased chance of kidney problems
• Better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia
• Improved sexual function
• Enhanced energy levels and physical performance

By keeping your blood pressure at an optimal level, you’re not just protecting your heart, but also safeguarding multiple organ systems and promoting longevity.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Blood Pressure

Maintaining a blood pressure of 100/70 doesn’t happen by chance. Various lifestyle factors play a crucial role in keeping your blood pressure within the healthy range. Understanding and managing these factors can help you maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

How does diet affect blood pressure?

Diet plays a significant role in blood pressure regulation. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, for instance, has been proven effective in lowering blood pressure. This eating plan emphasizes:

• Reducing sodium intake
• Increasing potassium-rich foods
• Limiting saturated fats and cholesterol
• Incorporating more fiber-rich foods
• Moderating alcohol consumption

Can exercise help maintain optimal blood pressure?

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Exercise strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently with less effort. This, in turn, reduces the force on your arteries, helping to keep blood pressure in check. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

Stress Management and Blood Pressure Control

Chronic stress can have a detrimental effect on blood pressure. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones that can temporarily raise your blood pressure. If stress becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term elevation of blood pressure. Implementing effective stress management techniques can help maintain your ideal 100/70 reading.

What are some effective stress-reduction techniques?

There are numerous ways to manage stress and, consequently, help control blood pressure:

1. Mindfulness meditation
2. Deep breathing exercises
3. Yoga or tai chi
4. Regular physical exercise
5. Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
6. Engaging in hobbies or enjoyable activities
7. Seeking social support from friends and family

By incorporating these stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, you can help maintain your optimal blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

The Role of Sleep in Blood Pressure Regulation

Quality sleep is often overlooked in discussions about blood pressure, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. During sleep, your blood pressure naturally dips, giving your heart and blood vessels a much-needed rest. Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can disrupt this natural process and contribute to hypertension.

How much sleep is necessary for optimal blood pressure?

Most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health, including blood pressure regulation. However, it’s not just about quantity; quality matters too. Here are some tips for improving sleep quality:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime
• Limit screen time before bed
• Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime

By prioritizing good sleep habits, you can support your body’s natural blood pressure regulation mechanisms and help maintain that ideal 100/70 reading.

The Impact of Smoking and Alcohol on Blood Pressure

Lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly impact your blood pressure. Understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health.

How does smoking affect blood pressure?

Smoking has both immediate and long-term effects on blood pressure. The nicotine in cigarettes causes an immediate, temporary increase in blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate. Over time, smoking damages blood vessel walls, leading to inflammation and narrowing, which can result in chronic high blood pressure.

Quitting smoking can have rapid benefits for your blood pressure. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop. After a year of being smoke-free, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.

What role does alcohol play in blood pressure regulation?

The relationship between alcohol and blood pressure is complex. While moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men) may have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive drinking can lead to hypertension. Alcohol can raise blood pressure by:

• Increasing heart rate
• Causing blood vessels to constrict
• Contributing to weight gain
• Interfering with blood pressure medications

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you’re struggling to control your blood pressure, consider reducing your alcohol intake or abstaining altogether.

Natural Supplements and Blood Pressure Management

While a healthy diet and lifestyle should be the foundation of blood pressure management, certain natural supplements may offer additional support. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some can interact with medications or have side effects.

Which supplements may help maintain healthy blood pressure?

Several natural supplements have shown promise in supporting healthy blood pressure levels:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, these may help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
2. Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant may help lower systolic blood pressure.
3. Garlic: Some studies suggest garlic supplements may have a modest effect on lowering blood pressure.
4. Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in regulating blood pressure and may help lower it in some people.
5. Potassium: While it’s best to get potassium from food sources, supplements may be beneficial for some individuals under medical supervision.
6. Hibiscus: Drinking hibiscus tea has been associated with modest reductions in blood pressure.

Remember, these supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle. Always prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management for optimal blood pressure control.

Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home: Tips and Techniques

Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial for maintaining your ideal 100/70 reading. Home blood pressure monitoring can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health and help you track the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications.

How to accurately measure blood pressure at home?

To ensure accurate readings when measuring your blood pressure at home, follow these steps:

1. Choose a validated, automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor.
2. Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at least 30 minutes before measuring.
3. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking your reading.
4. Sit with your back straight and supported, feet flat on the floor.
5. Support your arm on a flat surface at heart level.
6. Place the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow.
7. Take two or three readings, 1 minute apart, and record all results.
8. Measure at the same time each day for consistency.

Regular home monitoring can help you detect any changes in your blood pressure early, allowing you to take prompt action to maintain your healthy 100/70 reading.

When should you be concerned about blood pressure changes?

While some fluctuation in blood pressure is normal, consistent readings outside the normal range should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Seek medical attention if:

• Your systolic pressure consistently rises above 130 or falls below 90
• Your diastolic pressure consistently rises above 80 or falls below 60
• You experience symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Your blood pressure suddenly spikes or drops significantly from your usual readings

Remember, a single high or low reading doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. It’s the trend over time that’s most important. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to maintaining optimal blood pressure.

Blood Pressure 100/70: What Does It Indicate?

A blood pressure of 100/70 indicates that your blood pressure is PERFECTLY NORMAL, and on par with the American Heart Association guidelines.

This article tells you:

• What does a 100/70 blood pressure mean?
• What should you do if you have 100/70 blood pressure?
• Some easy to do home remedies and supplementations.
• Frequently asked question that will answer many of your queries regarding your 100/70 blood pressure.

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

What does a 100/70 blood pressure mean?

The blood pressure reading 100/70 indicates that the person in question has ideal blood pressure.

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

By extension, the blood pressure value of 100/70 means that the person is not at a prominent risk of any heart disease. His/her heart is functioning the way a healthy person’s heart should, and that is significantly good for that person.

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

100/70 signifies that the lifestyle that you have adapted yourself to is well-supported by your body and health. Also, if you were to keep up with the same lifestyle, it would eliminate the possible risk of chronic heart disease from your life.

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

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

What should you do if you have 100/70 blood pressure?

Here is a set-by-step procedure to follow when you figure out you have a blood pressure of 100/70.

1. Your doctor has to diagnose

If your blood is 100/70 and you have checked the same in your home setup, it is highly recommended to get it checked at your doctor’s office.

A trained professional has to clinically assess your condition and confirm that your 100/70 is, in fact, clinically valid.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Keep it up!

The blood pressure readings of 100/70 are relatively good, even taking into consideration the entire range of the ideal blood pressure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Diet check for 100/70 blood pressure

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

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

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

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

5. Do I need more tests for my heart?

100/70 is a perfect value that one might want to see when their blood pressure is being checked. Still, does it mean you are perfectly fine? Should you conduct more studies to get a conclusive stat regarding your heart health?

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

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

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

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

6. Natural supplements for your rescue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So having an 100/70 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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Know your numbers: Blood pressure

Speaking of Health

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Topics in this Post

• Heart Health

By Mayo Clinic staff

Knowing and understanding key heart numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rate, along with your family history — allow you and your health care team to determine your risk for developing heart and cardiovascular disease. Knowing your risk is critical to preventing heart disease and for taking steps to improve your overall heart health.

Here is information about one of the most dangerous and sneakiest health conditions: blood pressure.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your blood pushes against your arteries as it moves through your body. High blood pressure occurs when your blood pressure, the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high. High blood pressure is harmful because it makes the heart work harder and less efficiently.

Why blood pressure matters

High blood pressure can cause significant damage to your eyes, kidneys, brain and blood vessels. Left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure or vision loss. High blood pressure also can affect your ability to think, remember and learn. There’s even a type of dementia — vascular dementia — caused by high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is one of the most dangerous health conditions because of how sneaky it can be. You can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to your heart can still occur. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your health care provider to control it.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is traditionally measured using an inflatable cuff around your arm. The cuff is inflated, and the cuff gently tightens on your arm. The air in the cuff is slowly released and a small gauge measures your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic blood pressure (the first number) — This number indicates how much pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) — This number indicates how much pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Blood pressure is measured using millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges, and it is still used today as the standard unit for measuring pressure.

What is considered normal?

Your blood pressure reading will fall into one of these four categories:

• Normal — Blood pressure readings of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered in the normal range.
• Elevated — Readings consistently ranging from 120–129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic are considered elevated.
• Hypertension stage 1 — This stage is characterized by readings ranging from 130–139 systolic or 80–89 mm Hg diastolic.
• Hypertension stage 2 — This stage is characterized by readings consistently ranging at 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

What you can do

• Quit smoking. Tobacco temporarily raises blood pressure and can damage artery walls over time. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
• Follow the DASH diet. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. The diet encourages limiting saturated fat and foods containing high cholesterol. Following the DASH diet can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure.
• Get active. Regular physical fitness ― about 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week ― can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg.
• Limit alcohol. By drinking alcohol in moderation ― generally one drink a day for women or two a day for men ― you can potentially lower your blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor.
• Skimp on the salt. In general, limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day or less. However, a lower sodium intake ― 1,500 mg a day or less ― is ideal for most adults. Download an infographic about salt.

Know your numbers

It’s time to know your blood pressure numbers. Adults 40 and older or anyone with risk factors should have their blood pressure checked by a health care provider once a year. Younger people without risk factors should be checked at least every two years. Download an infographic about high blood pressure.

Visit Classes & Events to find a blood pressure screening near you.

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Diagnostics and treatment of arterial pressure deviations (Sergiev Posad)

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

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

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

Blood pressure norm

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

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

High blood pressure

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

The cause of hypertension can be:

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

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

You can suspect hypertension by the following symptoms:

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

Low blood pressure

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

Hypotension can be caused by:

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

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

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

Danger of self-medication and complications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We care about every patient, we have:

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

With care for your health, Paracelsus Medical Center

Prices for services

Electrocardiogram (ECG) in 12 standard leads. Registration.

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What should be the blood pressure of a child? Elena Malancheva, a pediatric cardiologist at the City Children’s Clinical Hospital, answers questions

Implementation of the regional project

“Fight against cardiovascular diseases” continues in the republic. In the City Children’s Clinical Hospital, every year diseases of the circulatory system are detected for the first time in about 0.1-0.3% of children. Currently, more than 850 minor patients from 0 to 17 years old are under dispensary observation, which is 0. 7% of the total attached population. Most often, children are diagnosed with heart and vascular defects, heart rhythm disturbances, high or low blood pressure.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension) also occurs in children, though not as often as in adults. As a rule, the disease is asymptomatic and is detected either by chance, during a routine examination, or when complaints appear. Elena Malancheva, , a pediatric cardiologist at the City Children’s Clinical Hospital , will tell you more about this.

－ What is the age norm for blood pressure in children?

First of all, it should be noted that the upper pressure indicator, called systolic, is the pressure that occurs during the contraction phase of the heart muscle (systole). Lower, or diastolic, is the pressure that occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart muscle (diastole).

Systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure have their own minimum and maximum normal (physiological) values. They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Below is a table with indicators of normal blood pressure (BP) in children in different age periods.

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Blood pressure may vary depending on various factors. For example, in the morning, its indicators may be closer to the minimum normal limits, and increase during the day depending on the level of physical activity, the presence of stress factors, overwork, etc. If the numbers are within the physiological limits, then everything is in order, but if not, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

However, BP readings may be erroneous if the size of the rubber cuff does not match the size of the patient’s arm. For example, if a child uses an adult cuff, then the results are much lower.

－ What can cause abnormal blood pressure in children?

If we talk about a decrease in blood pressure, then it can be observed during or after colds, with physical and mental overload, living in highlands (meaning adaptation to the environment), vegetative vascular disorders.

The causes of high blood pressure in a child are much more numerous. There are whole groups of diseases in which arterial hypertension occurs. These are some pathologies of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system, kidneys and adrenal glands.

The most common causes of hypertension in children are obesity, hormonal dysfunction during adolescence, and autonomic vascular disorders.

Important! Parents should not forget that from about the age of 7, changes begin in a child’s life that can negatively affect blood pressure and health in general. Pressure at this age varies due to reduced physical activity, with the start of school and with a change in social circle, which is stressful.

Symptoms of elevated blood pressure: frequent headaches that are not relieved by classical anesthetics; headache worse on waking and after increased activity; discomfort in the region of the heart; lethargy, fatigue, the child is not too active even after a good rest; frequent nosebleeds; deteriorating vision; rapid heart rate.

Symptoms of low blood pressure: loss of strength, passivity, loss of interest not only in studies but also in play. The child often talks about a headache that is concentrated in the temple area, complains of nausea and loss of strength.

One of the important symptoms of low blood pressure is the lack of desire to eat. Later the fainting starts. Consciousness after fainting, as a rule, is restored without medical help, but sometimes urgent intervention is not enough.

Parents often confuse symptoms with overwork at school.

－ What should parents do to prevent hypertension?

It is necessary to monitor the daily routine, including ensuring that the child has a good night’s rest. Regular, but moderate physical activity is important – it is enough to attend sports classes several times a week or do short morning exercises.

To strengthen the cardiovascular system, water procedures in warm water or under a contrast shower are relevant. Mandatory walks in the fresh air – at least two hours daily.

Parents need to control the amount of food consumed by the child – excess weight is one of the factors of high blood pressure.