Blood Pressure Readings: Chart, Normal, High, Low

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are vital indicators of heart health.

• Systolic blood pressure (the above number in a blood pressure reading) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart pumps blood.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between beats.

However, some doctors or healthcare providers focus on the first (systolic pressure) number. A high systolic blood pressure reading is a major marker forheart diseaseif you are older than 50 years. As you age, systolic blood pressure steadily increases from the chronic buildup of plaque andstiffnessof your arteries. Elevated systolic blood pressure increases your risk of cardiac and vascular diseases.

Systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings may both be used to diagnosehigh blood pressure. Recent studies report the risk of death for people between the ages of 40 and 89 years due to ischemicheart diseaseandstrokedoubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic reading.

Various factors, including age,diet,exercise,stress, and genetics can influence both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and work with your healthcare provider to manage it if it is too high.

血压袖带是用来测量ure. Elevation of blood pressure (high blood pressure) is called "hypertension".

Depending on your blood pressure reading, you will fall into one of the blood pressure categories, which include:

• Low
• Normal
• Elevated
• Hypertensionstage 1
• Hypertensionstage 2
• Hypertensive crisis

While many focus on the dangers ofhigh blood pressure(hypertension),low blood pressure(hypotension) can also pose a threat. In cases ofhypotension, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 60 mm Hg or below is consideredlow blood pressure. This is true even if your systolic blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg, which is considered normal.

Your blood pressure measurement will determine which blood pressure category you belong to. The higher your blood pressure reading, the higher your risk factor for certain conditions, such ascardiovascular diseaseandkidney disease.High blood pressurecan damage your blood vessels, kidneys, and brain if left untreated.

Blood pressure can be categorized into low, normal, high, hypertension stage I/II (heart disease, andstrokerisk), and hypertension crisis.

Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:

Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)

Contact your healthcare provider orCall 911immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Numbness/weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking

The chart shows normal blood pressure according to age both male and female. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are included in the chart.

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated their guidelines to recommend men and women ages 65 or older aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg. As of 2022, however, the ideal blood pressure for seniors is considered to be 120/80 (systolic/diastolic), which is the same for younger adults. The high blood pressure range for seniors starts at hypertension stage I, ranging between 130/80 and 139/89.

Blood pressure tends to be highest in the morning (morning hypertension) because the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline when waking up, which can cause blood pressure to increase. It is thought to be related to the body's natural circadian rhythms, as well as the fact that you have been lying down for several hours and are starting to move around again.

Blood pressure is also usually higher when standing up than when sitting or lying down because gravity causes more blood to flow to your lower body. Additionally, blood pressure can increase in response to physical activity, stress, and certain medications. However, if blood pressure remains consistently high throughout the day, it may be a sign of hypertension or high blood pressure.

Other factors may impact blood pressure readings:

• Physical activity: Blood pressure tends to increase during periods of physical activity due to the increased demand for blood flow to the muscles. Therefore, it is generally recommended to check your blood pressure before engaging in physical activity.
• Stress: Stress andanxietycan also lead to an increase in blood pressure because your body's "fight or flight" response, which is activated in response to stress, causes the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to constrict.
• Medications: Some medications, such asstimulantsand decongestants, can cause an increase in blood pressure. If you are taking any medications that can affect your blood pressure, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

心and blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries.

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, heart, and other organs if left untreated. In most cases, high blood pressure does not have noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as a "silent killer." However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person has high blood pressure:

• Headaches: People with high blood pressure may experience frequent or severeheadaches, especially at the back of the head. Persistent or severeheadachescan be a sign of high blood pressure, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such asdizzinessorblurred vision.
• Dizziness: High blood pressure can cause dizziness, especially when standing up suddenly or after physical activity. Dizziness or light-headedness is usually due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Chest pain: Also known as心绞痛and may be a sign of high blood pressure, chestpaincan occur when the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. Chestpaincan also be a sign of high blood pressure if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath,nausea, andsweating.
• Shortness of breath: High blood pressure can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• Fatigue: People with high blood pressure may feel tired or exhausted even after a good night'ssleep. Chronic high blood pressure can lead tofatiguedue to the extra strain on the heart and other organs.
• Nosebleeds:Nosebleedsmay be a sign of high blood pressure, especially if they occur frequently. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
• Vision problems: High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurred vision. High blood pressure can cause changes in vision or even temporaryvision loss.
• Nausea: Some people with hypertension may experience nausea orvomiting. If it is severe, high blood pressure can cause damage to organs such as theliveror kidneys.
• Flushing: Some people with high blood pressure may experience flushing or a feeling of warmth in the face.
• Trouble sleeping: High blood pressure can causesleep problemssuch asinsomniaorsleep apnea.
• Persistentcoughing: High blood pressure can cause a persistentcough, especially at night.
• Irregular heartbeat: Hypertension can cause an irregular heartbeat orpalpitations.
• Blood in the urine: In rare cases, high blood pressure can causeblood in the urine.

这些症状和体征可能不一定是caused by high blood pressure but be a result of other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are many potential causes of high blood pressure (hypertension):

• Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families, so if you have a family history of hypertension, you may be more likely to develop it.
• Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age because your blood vessels become less flexible.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
  • Poordiet(high in salt, fat, and processed foods)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Excessivealcoholconsumption
  • Stress
  • Beingoverweightorobese
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can also cause or contribute to high blood pressure, including
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Thyroid problems
  • Adrenal gland disorders
• Certain medications: Some medications can increase blood pressure, including certain types ofbirth control pills, decongestants, and steroids.
• Race: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at higher risk of high blood pressure.

Ultimately, high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from working properly. Additionally, untreated hypertension can result in numerous health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle changes and regularexercisecan help to treat high blood pressure.

Some of the suggested lifestyle changes by the physicians are as follows:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Avoid alcohol or at least limit the intake
• Eat a low-sodium and low-fat diet such as theDASH diet
• Avoid too much stress
• Eat foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium such as bananas and milk
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure after reaching the age of 35 years
• Practice meditation and other stress-relieving exercises
• Cut back oncaffeine

The physicians may prescribe the following medications:

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Vasodilators

Low blood pressure(Hypotension) can be prevented or treated using the following methods:

• Consume lots of fluids
• Limit alcoholicdrinks
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or during viralflu
• Drink more nonalcoholic drinks
• Exercise regularly to encourage blood flow
• Avoid sitting or standing quickly
• While rising, take care to sit upright for a few seconds and then get off the bed
• Stay away from heavy lifting
• Avoid standing still for a prolonged time
• Avoid straining while passing stools
• 避免长时间暴露于诸如saun热水as, hot water springs, and spas
• Compression stocking covering the thigh and calf restricts the blood flow to the lower part of the body
• Try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal dizziness
• Any consumption ofover-the-countermedications should be reported to the physician.

Medications such asfludrocortisoneormidodrinemay also help to treat low blood pressure.