High Blood Pressure/HypertensionNot what you're looking for? Show
What is high blood pressure?Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is made with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. This is called systolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is also affected by the size of the artery walls and their elasticity. Each time the heart beats (contracts and relaxes), pressure is created inside the arteries. When the heart is relaxed, the arteries stay at a lower resting tone to maintain some pressure in the artery. This is called diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is when the force of the blood is too high during heart contraction or relaxation within the arteries. The arteries may have an increased resistance against the flow of blood. This causes your heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. What causes high blood pressure?These factors may cause high blood pressure:
Who is at risk for high blood pressure?More than half of all adult Americans have high blood pressure. You are at risk for it if you:
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?High blood pressure often has no symptoms. But you can find out if your blood pressure is higher than normal by checking it yourself or by having it checked regularly by your healthcare provider. Very high blood pressure can cause symptoms. These include headache, changes in vision, or chest pain. How is high blood pressure diagnosed?Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope by a nurse or other healthcare provider. You can also take your own blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor. You can find one at most pharmacies.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure:
Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded as mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). This recording represents how high the mercury column in the blood pressure cuff is raised by the pressure of the blood. Blood pressure is rated as normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:
Even higher blood pressure (with the systolic blood pressure 180 or higher, the diastolic blood pressure more than 120, or both) is called a hypertensive urgency if there are no related symptoms. Or it's called a hypertensive emergency if there are symptoms indicating damage to the brain, heart, or kidneys. If you have a hypertensive urgency, you may need a change in your medicine right away or be evaluated in an emergency room. If you have a hypertensive emergency, you will need to be evaluated in an emergency room; and likely have a stay in the hospital. A single higher blood pressure measurement does not always mean you have a problem. Your healthcare provider will want to see several blood pressure measurements over a number of days or weeks before diagnosing high blood pressure and starting treatment. Ask your provider when you should call if your blood pressure readings are not in the normal range. How is high blood pressure treated?Treatment for high blood pressure may involve: Lifestyle changesThese healthy steps can help you control your blood pressure:
Certain medicinesSometimes you may need to take 1 or more daily medicines to control high blood pressure. Take it exactly as directed. If you have high blood pressure, have your blood pressure checked routinely and see your healthcare provider to watch the condition. What are possible complications of high blood pressure?High blood pressure raises your risk for:
How do I prevent high blood pressure?You can help prevent high blood pressure with many of the same healthy steps used to treat it. These are:
Key points about high blood pressure
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? When should I be concerned about my bottom blood pressure number?A diastolic blood pressure of somewhere between 90 and 60 is good in older folks. Once you start getting below 60, that makes people feel uncomfortable. A lot of older folks with low diastolic pressures get tired or dizzy and have frequent falls.
How high is too high for the bottom number of your blood pressure?Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure. High blood pressure is when the top number (systolic pressure) is 130 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is 80 or higher. Lifestyle changes and medicines may help treat high blood pressure.
Which number is worse for blood pressure top or bottom?Over the years, research has found that both numbers are equally important in monitoring heart health. However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures.
What does a diastolic of 36 mean?A systolic blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg or less or a diastolic reading of 60 mm Hg or less is generally considered low blood pressure (hypotension). Normal blood pressure varies from person to person, though.
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