What is high blood pressure? And the reduced one? What is considered normal? We figure out how to measure pressure correctly, what the numbers on the tonometer display mean and what indicators are considered a reason for excitement.
We think you’ve heard that blood pressure readings are really important. If the pressure is higher or lower than normal, this may indicate a malfunction in the body, and a long-term deviation from the norm will affect well-being and health. But what numbers really mean it’s time to panic? Let’s figure it out.
On the screen of the tonometer, two indicators related to pressure are usually displayed. One of them, the one that is higher, is systolic pressure, this is the pressure with which blood is pushed out of the heart to deliver oxygen to all organs.
The smaller number is diastolic pressure, which means the pressure in the vessels and on the walls of the heart that occurs when the heart is relaxed and filled with blood.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. The higher each of the indicators, the greater the load on the heart and the force with which it has to work.
What is normal pressure?
Normal pressure is when…
- … Systolic pressure is above 90 and less than 120;
- …Diastolic pressure is above 60 and below 80.
When each of the indicators is within the corresponding interval, the pressure is normal, according to experts from the American Heart Association. However, you need to monitor the pressure and pay attention to changes.
What is considered high blood pressure?
If the pressure readings are higher than 120 to 80, then you should pay attention to this. A one-time increase is most likely not dangerous, but when indicators deviate from the norm often, this fact cannot be ignored. This increases the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, including stroke.
If the systolic pressure is in the range from 120 to 129, and the diastolic does not exceed 80, then they speak of increased pressure. It is not necessary to take the medication in this case, but it is worth paying attention to lifestyle – it is useful to increase the level of physical activity, reduce weight and change the diet towards a healthier one.
What is 1st-degree hypertension?
A doctor may make a diagnosis of grade 1 hypertension under the following conditions:
- A systolic pressure between 130 and 139 or
- Diastolic pressure between 80 to 89.
However, the doctor suggests monitoring the pressure for some time in order to finally determine the diagnosis. He will probably delay prescribing medication if you are at low risk of developing hypertension, then he will suggest monitoring the pressure for 3-6 months against the backdrop of changing habits towards a healthier lifestyle. In other cases, therapy may be prescribed. It is important for older people to keep the pressure under control – this will improve memory and somewhat slow down the development of dementia.
What is grade 2 hypertension?
Hypertension of the 2nd degree is a more serious violation. It is diagnosed in the following case:
- A systolic pressure of 140 or higher, or
- Diastolic pressure 90 or higher.
With hypertension of the 2nd degree, medication is indispensable – the doctor will prescribe one or two drugs, but you will also have to change your lifestyle: healthy habits are no less important than medicines.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
An increase in pressure above 180 over 120 indicates serious health problems. Doctors call this condition a hypertensive crisis and insist on a mandatory visit to a doctor, even if it is not accompanied by other symptoms.
Among the signs that may also appear:
- Chest pain;
- Breathing problems, shortness of breath;
- Symptoms of a stroke, such as facial paralysis;
- The appearance of blood in the urine;
- Dizziness;
- Headache.
If you find such values on the tonometer, then you must definitely re-measure to make sure that the problem really exists and the device is not lying.
How is hypertension treated?
Treatment for hypertension depends on how much the pressure rises.
There are non-drug approaches to treatment as well as medications that can be prescribed.
Some of the healthy habits that are sure to be helpful include:
- Balanced diet;
- Exercise stress;
- Weight loss – for people who are obese or overweight.
With hypertension of the 1st degree, it is also important:
- Reduce salt intake;
- Reduce stress levels;
- Take medicine if prescribed.
With hypertension of the 2nd degree, medication becomes an indispensable element of treatment.
How to prevent the development of hypertension?
Prevention of hypertension is very important – at the same time, it reduces the chances of developing heart problems, such as strokes and heart attacks. And here is what each of us can do to keep the pressure from rising:
- Eat less salt – try not to consume more than 2 g of salt daily, and if the pressure is already elevated, reduce this amount to 1.5 g;
- Exercise – at least 20-30 minutes daily is enough;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Reduce caffeine intake;
- Learn to manage stress;
- Limit coffee and smoking.
What happens if you don’t fight high blood pressure?
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death. It can harm your health and even lead to death. Constantly high blood pressure damages the blood vessels: if left untreated, this can lead to serious problems. Among them:
- Stroke;
- Heart attack;
- Heart failure;
- Aortic aneurysm;
- Kidney failure;
- Vision loss;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- vascular dementia.
Why is low blood pressure dangerous?
Hypotension is low blood pressure, a condition in which the readings drop to 90 over 60 or even lower. It is also harmful to health because in this case, the body does not receive the necessary amount of oxygen carried by the blood.
Low blood pressure can occur against the background of dehydration, infection, certain medications, pregnancy, blood loss, and metabolic problems. A decrease in pressure is also a reason to see a doctor.
