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Bottom Number In Blood Pressure

Which Blood Pressure Number Is More Important: The Top Or The Bottom

Don’t ignore diastolic blood pressure

Your diastolic blood pressure is shown at the bottom. It is the lowest level of your blood pressure between beats. The top number is more significant since it indicates your likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack. If your systolic blood pressure is 160 over 100, then you should try to reduce your blood pressure.

The numbers on your blood pressure cuff are called readings. Your doctor may want you to have your blood pressure taken several times a day to make sure that you’re keeping it under control.

It’s very important for you to take your blood pressure regularly. This will allow your doctor to identify any changes in your condition and give you appropriate treatment.

If you were to look up blood pressure in the dictionary, it would say something like “the force of blood pushing against artery walls.” That’s really an oversimplification of what happens when you measure your blood pressure. But one thing does push back: your muscle tissue. When we talk about blood pressure, we’re actually talking about two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic refers to the peak point of contraction of the muscle tissue around the blood vessel diastolic refers to the low point between contractions of the muscle tissue.

Why Should I Monitor My Blood Pressure At Home

Even if your doctor takes your blood pressure in the clinic, monitoring your blood pressure at home can be useful whether or not you have hypertension.

  • It can tell you if your blood pressure is changing over time, which is important because your risk for hypertension increases as you age.

  • It can come in handy while youre exercising, and tell you if youre exercising at a healthy and safe intensity level.

  • If your doctor suspects that you have hypertension, it can give them a better sense of what your blood pressure is like on a normal basis.

  • If you have hypertension, it can help your doctor see if your treatment plan is working. Current guidelines recommend that patients with hypertension aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mmHg, with the help of lifestyle changes and medications.

  • If you take blood pressure medications, it can be especially helpful if you experience symptoms like headaches or dizziness. Low blood pressure readings during those times can alert your doctor to adjust the dose of your medication or give you a different drug to try. No matter what, do not change how youre taking your medications without talking to your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you find that your blood pressure is too high or too low, or if you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fainting.

When Should You Call Your Doctor

One high or low blood pressure reading by itself may not mean you need to call for help. If you take your blood pressure and it is out of the normal range, wait a few minutes and take it again. If its still high or low, use the following guidance.

anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out .

or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your blood pressure is much higher than normal .
  • You think high blood pressure is causing symptoms such as:
  • Severe headache.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

    • Your blood pressure measures higher than your doctor recommends at least 2 times. That means the top number is higher or the bottom number is higher, or both.
    • You think you may be having side effects from your blood pressure medicine.

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    The Bottom Blood Pressure Number Matters Too

    HealthDay Reporter

    THURSDAY, July 18, 2019 When it comes to blood pressure readings, the top number seems to grab all the attention.

    But a large, new study confirms that both numbers are, in fact, critical in determining the risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Blood pressure measurements are given as a top and bottom number. The first reflects systolic blood pressure, the amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts. The second reflects diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in the arteries between heart muscle contractions.

    For years, systolic blood pressure has been seen as the one that really matters. Thats based on studies including the famous Framingham Heart Study showing that high systolic blood pressure is a stronger predictor of heart disease and stroke.

    At the same time, though, doctors measure both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and treatment guidelines are based on both. So just how important is that diastolic number?

    The idea behind this new study was to address the confusion, said lead researcher Dr. Alexander Flint, an investigator with Kaiser Permanente Northern Californias division of research.

    Using medical records from 1.3 million patients, his team confirmed that, yes, high systolic blood pressure was a stronger risk factor for heart attack and stroke. But those risks also climbed in tandem with diastolic pressure and people with normal systolic readings were still at risk if their diastolic pressure was high.

    How Serious Is Your Hypertension

    What Is Normal Blood Pressure Lower Number

    Doctors classify hypertension according to systolic pressure and diastolic pressure readings and the effects various levels can have on your health.

    Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a health condition that affects about one in three American adults. But not everyone who has hypertension has high blood pressure to the same degree. Doctors use four hypertension categories to help classify how likely your blood pressure level is to affect your health: prehypertension, stage 1, stage 2, and hypertensive crisis.

    Normal Blood Pressure

    Blood pressure is measured by taking two different measurements of the pressure within your arteries: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure, the first or top number of the blood pressure reading, is the highest level of pressure in your arteries, which occurs when your heart muscle contracts and forces a burst of blood into the aorta. Diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, is the pressure that exists within your arteries between heart muscle contractions, which is when your heart is filling with blood.

    If your blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury or mm Hg , you have normal blood pressure. This means that your systolic pressure is less than 120 mm/Hg and your diastolic reading is less than 80 mm/Hg.

    Prehypertension: When Blood Pressure Is Above Normal

    Stage 1 and Stage 2 Hypertension

    Hypertensive Crisis: A High Blood Pressure Emergency

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    Doctors: Beware Of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure When Treating Hypertension

    • Low diastolic blood pressure linked to heart damage. â
    • Physicians, be aware of not dropping the bottom blood pressure number. â
    • Overtreated high blood pressure could be dangerous in certain patients. â

    The researchers caution that their findings cannot prove that very low diastolic blood pressure a measure of pressure in arteries between heartbeats when the heart is resting and also the lower number in a blood pressure reading directly causes heart damage, only that there appears to be a statistically significant increase in heart damage risk among those with the lowest levels of diastolic blood pressure.

    A summary of the findings was published Aug. 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and coincides with the release of a similar analysis at the European Society of Cardiology Meeting by physicians from Hôpital Bichat in Paris, France.

    Released last fall, the SPRINT trial showed protective cardiovascular benefits to patients when physicians aggressively treated high blood pressure down to 120/80 millimeters of mercury, with a primary emphasis on keeping systolic pressure the top number, representing arterial pressure when the heart is pumping at no more than 120.

    Researchers followed the participants for 21 years in a series of five visits, with the last check-in in 2013. Each visit included blood pressure measurement, and several included blood testing.

    What Is Systolic Blood Pressure

    During a heartbeat, the heart is pushing blood out into the arteries. Doctors call this systole, and thats why its called the systolic blood pressure. Its the pressure during a heartbeat and the highest pressure measured.

    When the reading is 120 mmHg or a little below while a person is sitting quietly at rest, the systolic blood pressure is considered normal.

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    Do You Have High Blood Pressure What The Guidelines Say

    Your blood pressure is an important part of your overall health.

    But what is it? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. If it is too high, it can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels, and can lead to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

    Your blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer that cuff that goes around your arm. The measurement then indicates a unit of pressure known as millimeters of mercury . It shows how hard your heart is working to pump blood.

    Your blood pressure is written as two numbers. The top number, known as the systolic pressure, measures the force of the blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts to pump blood out. It is working its hardest at that point.

    The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which shows the force of the blood when the heart is resting in between contractions. That number is lower.

    Doctors use standard guidelines to determine if your blood pressure falls into a range known as normal. If it is too high and is consistently higher than the guidelines, it known as hypertension.

    Taking Blood Pressure Medicines

    How To Reduce Diastolic Blood Pressure (Fast and Naturally)

    Once you start to take medicines to manage your blood pressure, you may need to take them for the rest of your life. However, the dose of these medicines may change over time. If your doctor recommends you take blood pressure medicines, its still important to make healthy choices when it comes to your diet and physical activity.

    If you need to take medicines, your doctor will advise you on the correct type and dose. Two or more different medicines are often needed to manage blood pressure.

    Make sure you take your medicines regularly. Some things that may help you remember to take them include:

    • building them into your daily routine by taking them at the same time each day
    • keeping them somewhere that will remind you such as next to your alarm, or with your coffee or tea
    • asking a family member or friend to remind you
    • always carrying a list of your medicines with you, including their doses and when to take them
    • entering a daily alarm in your mobile phone or downloading an app to remind you.

    Take any blood pressure medicine exactly as prescribed. Dont stop or change your medicine unless your doctor advises you to.

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    Causes Of High Diastolic Blood Pressure And What You Can Do To Lower It

    Your blood pressure is a measure of the pressure of your blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart pumps it around your body. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where blood flows through your arteries at a pressure that is higher than usual. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80mm Hg.¹

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    Drink Alcohol In Moderation

    Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol will increase your blood pressure and raise the cholesterol levels in your blood.

    Sticking to the recommended amounts of alcohol consumption is the best way to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.

    The recommended daily limits of alcohol consumption are:

    • 3 to 4 units of alcohol for men
    • 2 to 3 units of alcohol for women.

    A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal-strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure or spirits.

    More about drinking alcohol reponsibly

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    How Can You Manage Your High Blood Pressure

    Treatment of high blood pressure often starts with lifestyle changes, including decreasing salt in your diet, losing weight if necessary, stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol use, and regular exercise.

    In addition to lifestyle changes, medications are often used to lower blood pressure. There are several types of medications that treat high blood pressure with each type of medication having benefits and risks that should be carefully weighed by you and your health care provider. Most people take more than one medication in order to bring their blood pressure down to their treatment goal.

    Your blood pressure medication should begin to work within days. However, because high blood pressure is a long-lasting medical condition that often has little or no symptoms, remembering to take your medications can be a challenge. Combination medicines, long-acting or once-a-day medications, may be used to decrease the burden of taking numerous medications and help ensure medications regularly. Once started, the medication should be used until your doctor tells you to stop.

    Controlling your blood pressure should be part of a healthy living plan and lifelong task. The damage that high blood pressure causes your internal organs does not cause any symptoms until serious damage has been done.

    Causes Of Hypertension In Children

    What Causes Bottom Number Of Blood Pressure To Be High ...

    1. Primary hypertension

    Primary hypertension means that the hypertension does not seem to be caused by some other underlyng medical condition. Many doctors think that the incidence of childhood or adolescent hypertension has been rising along with the obesity epidemic. The majority of teens and children over age 6 with hypertension have a family history of hypertension and/or are overweight.

    2. Secondary hypertension

    Secondary hypertension is caused by a known underlying medical condition. Of these, about

    • 80 percent of children have some kind of kidney disease or blood vessel abnormalities
    • 5 percent have an endocrinological disorder
    • 2 to 5 percent have heart disease

    Hypertension in infants with hypertension almost always has a secondary cause. In addition, premature infants have a higher incidence of hypertension.

    Among kids with hypertension, especially those who are very young, secondary hypertension is more common than primary hypertension. But among children who are older than 6 to 8 years old, the ratio of primary to secondary hypertension is approaching 50/50.

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    What Is The Treatment For High Blood Pressure

    • limiting your alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men, or 1 drink per day for women with high blood pressure

    However, lifestyle changes may not be enough. Some people also need medication to help reduce blood pressure levels to normal. While medicines are usually very effective at lowering blood pressure, they may cause side effects in some people.

    Usually doctors will start a person on a low dose of a medicine and see how it goes. If it doesnt work well enough, or if there are troublesome side effects, other medicines will be used, sometimes in combination, until the blood pressure is controlled. This can take time. Some people will take medicines for life, although others will find that continuing to lose weight and changing their diet reduces the need for medicines.

    Someone whose blood pressure is very high or causing symptoms such as headache, or if they have conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, may need urgent treatment with medicines to bring the blood pressure down to normal levels.

    The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends that you regularly review with your doctor or specialist any medications you are taking for high blood pressure or high cholesterol to assess the ongoing benefits and risks. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

    What Does It Mean If My Diastolic Blood Pressure Is High

    When your diastolic blood pressure is over 90mm Hg, it’s often called diastolic hypertension. The diastolic pressure of an adult should typically be 6080mm Hg, and if the number goes above this, it’s considered hypertension.

    However, if your blood pressure goes over 180/120mm Hg, this is dangerous, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

    High diastolic blood pressure has been associated with a few conditions, including:

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm

    High diastolic blood pressure has been associated with a higher risk of conditions that involve the aorta that carries oxygen and blood from your heart to your chest and abdomen.

    For instance, individuals with an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading were more susceptible to developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is an abnormal enlargement of your aorta and can result in rupture and risk of death.

    Cognitive impairment

    Several studies show that elevated diastolic blood pressure seems to be linked with memory deficits or cognitive impairment in individuals aged 45 or older. For every 10-point increase above 90mm Hg, it increases the risk of cognition issues by 7%.¹

    While there isn’t an established causal relationship, treating or preventing high blood pressure may prevent cognitive impairment.

    Stroke and brain issues

    A diastolic blood pressure of 100mm Hg or above is linked with a substantial rate of strokes.¹ High blood pressure can lead to your arteries becoming blocked or bursting, causing a stroke.

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    What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean

    Blood pressure is measure in millimeters of mercury and recorded as two numbers, systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the top number , which measure the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, so when its muscles contract. Diastolic the bottom number , which measures the pressure in the arteries between heart beats, so when the muscles relax and refill with blood.

    The blood pressure chart reflects the categories defined by the American Heart Association. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. If your blood pressure numbers are between 120/80 and 139/89, you have pre-hypertension, which means that you are likely to develop high blood pressure. If your blood pressure numbers are 140/90 or above, you have high blood pressure. For instance, if your systolic blood pressure is between 140 and 159, and your diastolic blood pressure is between 90 and 99, you have Stage 1 Hypertension. You have Stage 2 Hypertension if your systolic blood pressure is over 160 and you diastolic blood pressure is over 100. If your numbers are higher than that, you are in hypertensive crisis and need emergency care.

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