Blood pressureis the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure can be measured using two numbers:
- Systolic (the number on top):精准医疗ssure exerted when theheartpumps blood throughout the body
- Diastolic (the number at the bottom):精准医疗ssure exerted when the heart relaxes and refills with blood
When your blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80 mm Hg, you are considered to havehypertension.
What are the different blood pressure levels?
The table shows different blood pressure levels and conditions.
| Blood pressure levels | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal blood pressure | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated blood pressure or精准医疗hypertension | 120年到129年之间 | Less than 80 |
| Stage 1hypertension | Between 130 to 139 | Between 80 to 89 |
| Stage 2hypertension | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
What is isolated diastolic hypertension?
With hypertension, typically both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are elevated. However, isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) occurs when your systolic blood pressure is normal, and only your diastolic blood pressure is high (over 80 mm Hg).
IDH is an uncommon type of hypertension, accounting for less than 20% of all hypertension cases. Like other types of hypertension, IDH can increase the risk ofstroke,heart disease,heart attack,heart failure,aneurysm,atrial fibrillation,peripheral arterial disease,vision loss, and chronickidney disease.
What causes the diastolic to be high?
Possible causes of isolated diastolic hypertension include:
- High-sodiumdiet
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessivealcoholconsumption
- Stressandanxiety
- Medications including:
- Amphetamines
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs(NSAIDs)
- Antidepressants
- Oralcontraceptive药片
- Caffeine
- Decongestants
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Steroids
What causes your blood pressure to suddenly get high?
高血压或high blood pressure(high BP) is a medical condition where the pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, and it is circulated to all parts of the body. Hypertension develops when the heart constantly needs to exert higher force to deliver blood to the organs through the arteries. Since a hypertensive heart must work harder to deliver blood, hypertension can increase the risk of心血管病, heart attack, and heart failure. Also, the blood vessels in people with hypertension are narrower, putting them at risk ofstroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
There are many reasons forhigh blood pressure. Some possible causes include
- caffeine,
- acutestressoranxiety,
- certain medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- combinations of medications,
- recreational drugs,
- sudden or acutepain,
- dehydrationand
- white coat effect (fear of being in a hospital or doctor’s clinic).
SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise and Tips看幻灯片What are symptoms of high diastolic pressure?
Hypertension is generally considered a silent killer. Most people with hypertension do not have any symptoms.
It may take many years for the condition to become severe and for symptoms to appear. Many times, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues. The best way to know the blood pressure levels is through regular checkups.
Symptoms of severe hypertension include:
- Severeheadaches
- Anxiety
- Nosebleeds
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Fatigueorconfusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Facial flushing
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sleeping problems
- Blood in the urine
- Black spots in the eyes
- Pounding in the chest, neck, or ears
What are the main types of hypertension?
There are two types of hypertension:
1. Primary or essential hypertension
Primary or essential hypertension is when hypertension has no identifiable cause (for example, another disease or condition). It develops gradually over years.
This type of hypertension may be the result of multiple factors, including:
- Blood plasma volume
- Hormone activity
- Genes
- Physical changes in the body due to age
- Environmental factors, such as stress and lack ofexercise
2. Secondary hypertension
In some people, hypertension is caused by an underlying health condition. This type of hypertension tends to appear suddenly. Secondary hypertension also generally causes higher blood pressure than primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension is caused by specific conditions and their complications:
- Kidney disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Congenital defects in blood vessels
- Obstructivesleep apnea
- Certain endocrine tumors
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Cushing syndrome
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Thyroid problems
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Certain medications, such asbirth control pills,coldremedies, decongestants,painrelievers, and some prescription drugs
- Use of illegal drugs, such ascocaine和安非他明
Health News
- Dancing Your Way to Better Health
- Psychiatrists Tough to Find for Seniors in Medicare Advantage Plans
- Undiagnosed Endometriosis Can Harm Fertility
- New Heart Implant Monitors, Treats -- and Then Dissolves Away
- AHA News: Flu-Related Myocarditis Is Rare But Can Be Fatal, as Ohio Family Learned
More Health News »
How is high diastolic blood pressure treated?
Isolated diastolic blood pressure can often be managed with lifestyle modifications,dietary supplements, and medications.
Lifestyle modifications
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a high-fiberdietrich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and dairy products
- Reducing sodium in the diet
- Exercising regularly
- Quittingsmoking
- Limiting alcohol use
- Managing stress
- Getting adequatesleep
- Practicing slow deepbreathing
- Monitoring blood pressure at home
Dietary supplements
Dietarysupplementsthat may help lower blood pressure include:
- Mineralslike magnesium, calcium, and potassium
- Supplementsthat widen blood vessels, such as cocoa,coenzyme Q10, L-arginine, andgarlic
- Omega-3 fatty acidsare found infish oilsupplements and flaxseeds
Medications
If lifestyle and dietary changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may be able to prescribe medications for you.
What are the risk factors of high blood pressure?
Factors that increase the risk of hypertension include:
- Being over the age of 60, when arteries stiffen and narrow due to plaque buildup
- Beingoverweightorobese
- Regular tobacco use
- Alcohol abuse
- Male gender
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack ofexercise
- High fat intake
- High salt intake in the diet
- Low potassiumintake diet
- Stress
- Family history of hypertension
- Existing health conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Highcholesterol levels
Health SolutionsFrom Our Sponsors
Mahajan S, Zhang D, He S, et al. Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment of Isolated Diastolic Hypertension: Insights From the China PEACE Million Persons Project. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019; 8(19): e012954. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012954
Alexander MR. Hypertension. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview
起到了推动作用。新的高血压Guidelines: JNC 7. Journal Watch. 2003;2(5). https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457298
Benetos A, Petrovic M, Strandberg T. Hypertension Management in Older and Frail Older Patients. Circ Res. March 28, 2019;124:1045–1060. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313236
American Academy of Family Physicians. Hypertension in Adults Over 60. January 2017. https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/all-clinical-recommendations/hypertension-over-60.html
Top Why Is My Bottom Blood Pressure Number High? Related Articles
Blood Pressure Readings: Chart, Normal, High, Low
Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress. An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.
What Are Normal Blood Pressure Ranges by Age For Men and Women?
What is normal, low and high blood pressure? Find charts of blood pressure readings and ranges for men and women of different ages. Discover what causes high and low blood pressure and how to prevent it.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.
Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.
If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.
REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
High Blood Pressure & Body
High blood pressure puts you at risk for a number of other conditions. Here's what to look out for.
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Symptoms, Treatments
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? What is normal blood pressure? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Read about high blood pressure medications, diet, and long-term treatments.
HBP Quiz
Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and heart attacks. How are dizziness, snoring, and gout related to HBP? Find the answer and learn how medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments fight this common problem.
High-Fiber Foods
Learn about high-fiber foods. From fresh fruits to whole grains, these fiber-rich foods can lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, and improve digestion.How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure in Minutes?
Learn how to lower your high blood pressure quickly and how to better manage this condition.
How to Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately
If you face any complications of high blood pressure such as a stroke or heart attack, contact your physician without any delay. Do not attempt home remedies in such grave situations. If you have high blood pressure, without any complications, the first thing to do is to calm down and lie flat.
Hypertension Picture
High blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. See a picture of Hypertension and learn more about the health topic.
Is 110/60 a Too Low Blood Pressure?
A blood pressure reading of 110/60 mmHg is usually not considered a low blood pressure.
Is 120 Over 60 a Good Blood Pressure Reading?
如果你systolic blood pressure is normal (between 100-120), and your diastolic blood pressure is lower (60 or below), you are considered to have low blood pressure, or isolated diastolic hypotension. Low diastolic blood pressure should be monitored closely.
What Does It Mean When the Diastolic Number is High?
A high diastolic reading (equal to or greater than 120 mmHg) is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and other cardiovascular problems.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure and Pulse by Age?
美国心脏协会轮廓,一个也没有mal blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg for adults. Here is a chart that breaks down the ideal blood pressure range by age.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure for a 60-Year-Old?
According to current guidelines from the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults under the age of 65 is any blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg.What Is Considered Stroke-Level High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are considered stroke-level and require immediate medical attention. Check out the center below for more medical references on hypertension, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.