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Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. Its measurement is recorded by two numbers.
Which number is more important?A high systolic blood pressure reading is a major marker for heart disease in people over 50. As you age, systolic blood pressure increases steadily from the long-term buildup of plaque and stiffness of your arteries. Additionally, elevated systolic blood pressure increases your chances of cardiac and vascular disease. Systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings may both be used by doctors to diagnose you with high blood pressure. Recent studies show the risk of death for people between the ages of 40 and 89 due to ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic reading. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension". Depending on your blood pressure reading, you will fall into one of five blood pressure categories, which include:
While many people focus on the dangers of high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension) can also pose a threat. In cases of hypotension, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 60 mm Hg or below is considered low blood pressure. This is true even if your systolic blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg, which is considered normal. Signs and Symptoms of High Blood PressureHigh blood pressure may not have any symptoms and so hypertension has been labeled "the silent killer." Longstanding high blood pressure can lead to multiple complications including heart attack, kidney disease, or stroke. Some people experience symptoms with their high blood pressure. These symptoms include:
What are the different blood pressure ranges?
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 as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely: Table. Different blood pressure categories
Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) Contact your healthcare provider or Call 911 immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:
QUESTIONSalt and sodium are the same. See AnswerWhat are the normal blood pressure readings by age and gender?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. Normal Blood Pressure By Age Both Male and Female
Health NewsWhat is blood pressure?Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types include normal, elevated, hypertension stage I, hypertension stage II, and hypertensive crisis. 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.
High blood pressure is more likely to cause:
SLIDESHOWHow to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise and Tips See SlideshowHow to treat 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 regular exercise can help to treat high blood pressure. Some of the suggested lifestyle changes by the physicians are as follows:
The physicians may prescribe the following medications:
How to treat low blood pressure?Low blood pressure (Hypotension) can be prevented or treated using the following methods:
Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure. Subscribe to MedicineNet's Heart Health NewsletterBy clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. Medically Reviewed on 11/11/2022 References https://www.webmd.com/heart/qa/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-low-blood-pressure https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998762/ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings What is normal diastolic blood pressure by age?A normal diastolic blood pressure range during quiet rest is 80 mmHg or a little below.
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Frequently Asked Questions.. Which is more important systolic or diastolic blood pressure?Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.
What is a worrying diastolic blood pressure?Once your systolic reading reaches 130 or higher or your diastolic reading is 80 or higher, you're considered to have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Most people have what's known as essential or primary hypertension, which means it's not caused by a medical condition, medication, or substance.
What does the diastolic number tell you?Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, measures the force the heart exerts on the walls of the arteries in between beats.
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