Can Low Blood Pressure Harm Your Baby
We know a lot less about the effects of low blood pressure on babies than the effects of high pressure. Some research suggests that it may lead to stillbirth and low birth weight, but this correlation is difficult to establish because there are so many other variables and risk factors involved during pregnancy. In the vast majority of cases, low blood pressure at this time is nothing to worry about.
Signs And Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
High 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:
- The Feeling of pulsations in the neck or head
Older Adults And Hypertension: Beyond The 2017 Guideline For Prevention Detection Evaluation And Management Of High Blood Pressure In Adults
- A
Epidemiology of Hypertension in Older Adults
Hypertension is one of the primary modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and its prevalence and severity both increase with age. According to the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , 70% of adults 65 years have hypertension.1 This number will continue to rise as our population ages as 15% of the US population was 65 years old in 2014 and this is expected to increase to 20% by 2050.2
Despite having the highest prevalence of hypertension and greatest risk for CV morbidity and mortality, older adults are frequently undertreated for elevated blood pressure . This group has been traditionally excluded or underrepresented in clinical trials due to concerns regarding frailty, fall risk, poor renal function, abnormal hemodynamic adaptation, and higher risk for autonomic dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy. With advancing age, the gap between chronological and biological age widens and chronological age may be a poor surrogate for biological age.3 Furthermore, chronological age cutoffs used to identify older patients across guidelines are inconsistent and BP treatment targets remain controversial.
Hypertension Guidelines Reviewed
Table 1: A Comparison of Blood Pressure Thresholds and Targets between ACC/AHA, ACP/AAFP, and ESC/ESH Guidelines
| SBP 130-139 mmHgDBP 70-79mmHg |
Hypertension Management in Older Adults with History of Coronary Artery Disease
Figure 1
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High Blood Pressure And Pregnancy
High blood pressure, or hypertension, does not usually make you feel unwell, but it can sometimes be serious in pregnancy.
Your midwife will check your blood pressure at all your antenatal appointments.
If you are pregnant and have a history of high blood pressure, you should be referred to a specialist in hypertension and pregnancy to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment.
If you develop high blood pressure for the first time in pregnancy, you will be assessed in a hospital by a healthcare professional, usually a midwife, who is trained in caring for raised blood pressure in pregnancy.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Having a raised blood pressure reading in 1 test does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure.
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day. Feeling anxious or stressed when you visit your GP can also raise your blood pressure.
If you have a high reading, you may be asked to take some readings with a 24-hour monitor that checks your blood pressure throughout the day.
This will confirm whether you have consistently high blood pressure.
Its known as 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
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Choosing A Home Blood Pressure Monitor
The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor.
- Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because they yield less reliable readings.
- Choose a monitor that has been validated. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org.
- When selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant woman or child, make sure it is validated for these conditions.
- Make sure the cuff fits measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff.
How The Review Was Done
The researchers did a systematic review, searching for studies up until September 2016.
They found 21 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort studies of different blood pressure targets.
The key features of the studies were:
- people were 60 years of age or older and had hypertension and
- the aim was to lower systolic blood pressure to less than 150 mm Hg or to less than 140 mm Hg.
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Checking Blood Pressure At Home
Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor find out if your treatment is working.
Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” It’s a real condition. The stress of being in a doctor’s office raises your blood pressure, but when you’re home, it’s normal.
Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Ask your doctor for a larger cuff or make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.
You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.
No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.
When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure For Seniors
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.
Average blood pressure readings for both men and women vary and often increase with age.
What causes hypertension in people over age 60?
- Age: Blood pressure increases with age, as more pressure is exerted on the artery walls.
- Obesity: Overweight and obese people tend to be at increased risk of hypertension.
- Salt intake: Consumption of high amounts of sodium is a risk factor for hypertension
- Sedentary lifestyle: As people get older, their levels of daily physical activity may reduce and lead to a greater risk of hypertension.
- Alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of hypertension.
- 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
- Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water such as saunas, 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 of over-the-counter medications should be reported to the physician.
Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure.
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Blood Pressure Readings When Youre Over 70
With guidelines about “healthy” blood pressure changing faster than it takes to get a reading, you may be wondering whether what’s acceptable changes with age. After all, blood pressure does tend to naturally rise as people age. Here’s how to make sense of all the numbers.
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Essentially, your blood pressure should fall within the same range no matter how old you are, says Prachant Vaishnava, MD, an assistant professor in medicine and cardiology and a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The latest guidelines from multiple organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, suggest a blood pressure goal below 120/80 millimeters of mercury regardless of age.
“That means normal blood pressure range for a 70-year-old female should be the same as for a 45-year-old female,” Dr. Vaishnava says.
However, you could be swimming against the tide â many people find their blood pressure rises as they get older. The reason is that blood vessels become less elastic with age and are likely to respond more slowly when you change positions, say from sitting to standing, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What Is Normal Bp
Do you feel dizzy and lightheaded after waking up, have problems viewing things due to blurred vision, or sometimes your nose bleeds, or you go through constant headaches and blackouts? If thats the case, you might be dealing with abnormal blood pressure . Trust us, and please dont ignore these signs. Our body shows certain signs or symptoms when something is not right internally or externally in the body. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, its wise to analyze your body and consult a doctor.
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood circulation from the heart to the entire body. The Average blood pressure differs for different sex, and it tends to rise with age. You need to understand how blood pressure affects your health and how to combat those challenges. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
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Why Is It Important To Know If You Have High Blood Pressure
Early detection of high blood pressure is very important. Often referred to as the silent killer because it may show no symptoms, high blood pressure puts you at an increased risk for heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, among other things. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, more than 360,000 deaths in the United States included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause.
Normal Bp Range For Men
The average BP range for men varies by age group. The age group with the lowest normal blood pressure reading in men is 31-35 years . The age group with the highest normal blood pressure level reading in men is 61-65 years .
Here are a few healthy tips for keeping your blood pressure in the normal range:-
- Exercise, exercise, and exercise
Reduce the intake of sodium in your diet. Drink less alcohol. If youre a sweet tooth, this remedy will be your favourite eat dark chocolate and cocoa. Eat calcium-rich food like dairy, leafy greens and beans. Cut back on caffeine intake. Taking natural supplements like aged garlic extract, fish oil, whey protein, berberine, and hibiscus can instantly lower your high blood pressure. Eat magnesium-rich foods like legumes and whole grains. Meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow your heart rate and ultimately lowers your blood pressure level. Eating berries lowers your blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases.
What are normal and abnormal values of blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is systolic of less than 120 and diastolic of less than 80 . However, elevated blood pressure values are systolic of 120 129 and diastolic less than 80.
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What Do The Readings Mean
As a general guide:
140/90mmHg or over you may have high blood pressureMost doctors use 140/90mmHg as the cut off for point for diagnosing . This is the point where your risk of serious health problems goes up. They might prescribe and advise you to make changes to your to bring your blood pressure down. 120/80mmHg up to 140/90mmHg pre-high blood pressureAlso called high-normal blood pressure. This is not high blood pressure, but it is a little higher than it should be and means you could go on to develop high blood pressure. See how you can make to lower it. 90/60mmHg up to 120/80mmHg ideal blood pressureAlso called normal blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading is healthy. At this level you have a much lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Following a will help you to keep it in the healthy range. 90/60mmHg or lower you may have low blood pressure usually isnt a problem, but it can sometimes make you feel faint or dizzy or could be a sign of another health problem.
The video below explains how your blood pressure numbers are linked to the risk of stroke and other disease.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury and is given as 2 figures:
- systolic pressure the pressure when your heart pushes blood out
- diastolic pressure the pressure when your heart rests between beats
For example, if your blood pressure is “140 over 90” or 140/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
As a general guide:
- ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
- low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
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If You Notice A Sudden Decline In Blood Pressure
A single lower-than-normal reading is not cause for alarm, unless you are experiencing any other symptoms or problems. If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or other symptoms, its a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. To help with your diagnosis, keep a record of your symptoms and activities at the time they occurred.
Is low blood pressure related to low heart rate? Find out.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Last Reviewed: Oct 31, 2016
When To Call Your Doctor
The risks of both high and low blood pressure make monitoring your blood pressure at home essential to your overall health and well-being. Both Dr. Wong and Dr. Desai recommend calling your healthcare provider if your self-monitored blood pressure readings are greater than 180/120 mmHgeven if you have no other symptoms.
You should call 911 if these blood pressure readings are associated with symptoms of organ damage, such as headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, chest pain or shortness of breath, says Dr. Wong.
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Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
A Typical Night in the ER
Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
The ambulance call comes in.
Were running lights and siren with a 67 year old male. Hes confused, lethargic, blood pressure 80 over 40, thready pulse and sweaty. Well be at your door in a couple of minutes.
The nurses start setting up the equipment to care for the patient. Weve been through this drill before when someone arrives at the ER with low blood pressure. I hope its an easy diagnosis and something that we can treat quickly. IVs are set up, monitor pads ready. The respiratory tech arrives with her machines just in case they are needed.
The EMTS unload a man in obvious distress, sweaty, struggling to breathe, and limp.
Hes had a fever for a couple of days with a cough. Past history of COPD, heart problems, still smokes.
The diagnosis still could be easy, but there are a lot of things that could be causing this mans condition. He is in shock his low blood pressure is not enough to provide blood flow and oxygen to his brain. Thats why he is lethargic. No doubt the rest of his organs are at risk too. But why?
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Complications Of High Blood Pressure
Untreated or poorly managed high blood pressure can cause serious and even life threatening issues. It can damage your blood vessels as well as your organs. The longer your hypertension goes untreated, the more it can damage your body and affect your health.
Potential complications of high blood pressure include:
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What Is A Normal Bp For Women
Age and BP are linked since the elasticity of the blood vessels predict the pressure itself, that is, when a woman grows old, she can experience higher BP, but it can be considered still normal BP.
Depending on age, the following are the average BP levels:
| Age : | |
| 40-50 years+ | Diastolic BP may increase to 100, but still considered normal. |
However, the term normal or average blood pressure depends on the physiologic conditions of the individual, such as menopause, menstrual cycle, or eclampsia/preeclampsia in pregnancy. The following are the average BP based on physiologic factors:
According to one study, postmenopausal women are more likely to have increased BP by as much as 5 mmHg due to a significant natural drop in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Pre-menopausal women have a significantly lower BP than men because these hormones regulate their BP. Female having a premenopausal BP of 120/90 mmHg may have a 130/95 mm Hg reading during menopause. Having a normal BP during the early adulthood phase may contribute to good blood pressure chart for women after menopause.
An increase in blood pressure during pregnancy can be caused by a condition called preeclampsia, which usually occurs during the 20th week of gestation and lasts until 2 weeks postpartum. A normal BP during pregnancy ranges from 110/80 up to 120/80. An increase of 5 to 10 mmHg from a pre-pregnant state may suggest pregnancy induced hypertension .