Good And Bad Blood Pressure

What To Do If Your Blood Pressure Reading Is 100/60

What is High Blood Pressure? (HealthSketch)

The first thing to do is to check your pulse. If your pulse is over 90 your heart may be compensating for the low blood pressure. Call the doctor for advice if youre pulse is high and your experiencing any unusual symptoms.

As an aside, home blood pressure monitors are amazingly affordable and great way to stay on top of your blood pressure. So invest in your health and check out .

You dont need to do anything if your pulse is normal and youre not experiencing any symptoms.

Don’t Throw Out Your Garlic Supplements Just Yet

Even if they’re not a magic ticket to lower LDLs, garlic supplements may still provide benefits to lots of people. Jessica DeGore, a registered dietician and nutritionist, told Best Life that garlic supplements ” shown excellent health-promoting and disease-preventing effects on many common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, blood pressure, and diabetes,” noting that studies say it has “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties.”

Dietician Amber Dixon, CEO at Elderly Assist Inc., further explains that “Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with blood pressure and heart disease risk. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can help fight off infections like colds and the flu.”

If you have high cholesterol and you take a garlic supplement, “You don’t need to stop immediately,” says DeGore, “but I would recommend discussing with your provider.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Blood Pressure

Isnât it good to have low blood pressure?Isnât it good to have low blood pressure?

As long as its not causing any problems, the lower your blood pressure, generally the better. High blood pressure is a risk to your health it can lead to serious conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease and kidney failure. The lower your blood pressure, the less likely you are to suffer from these problems.

However, if your blood pressure becomes lower than usual for you, it can cause problems. If you have any symptoms like feeling dizzy or faint, you should contact your doctor. See the symptoms sections above for more information.

Also Check: Does Drinking Coffee Raise Your Blood Pressure

When To Check Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is normal , get it checked every year, or more often as your doctor suggests.
If your blood pressure is elevated — a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 129 or diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 — your doctor will probably want to check it every 3-6 months. They will probably recommend lifestyle changes like more exercise and a better diet.
If you have stage 1 hypertension — 130-139 over 89-90 — the doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and see you again in 3-6 months. Or they could tell you to make the changes and give you medication, then recheck your condition in a month. It depends on what other health conditions or risk factors you have.
If you have stage 2 hypertension — 140/90 or higher — youâll likely get medication. You’ll also need to make lifestyle changes and see the doctor again in a month.

Regular Blood Pressure Checks If Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your blood pressure will need to be closely monitored until it is brought under control.

After your blood pressure has been controlled, your GP or practice nurse will measure your blood pressure at agreed regular intervals .

It is important you attend these appointments to ensure your blood pressure is being maintained within an acceptable range.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Test For Pulmonary Hypertension

How Does Blood Pressure Affect My Health

Even if you’re only in your 20s or 30s, long-term studies show that having elevated blood pressure significantly increases your risk of developing serious health conditions later in life.

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease in middle age, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” says Dr. Nasir. “It’s also a risk factor for stroke, kidney disease and several eye conditions.”

Plus, high blood pressure affects more than just your health there are financial implications, too. A person with high blood pressure spends almost $2,000 a year on the associated medications and health costs. These costs skyrocket if high blood pressure is left uncontrolled and serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, result.

What You Should Know About A Blood Pressure Of 140/100

What is hypertension stage two? Blood pressure guidelines exist to define hypertension within stages. These stages, which were created by The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology, are like a roadmap to help guide and tailor decisions in the treatment process for hypertension. Understanding the specifics of your blood pressure stage is critical to successfully controlling readings over the long-term.

Stage two hypertension blood pressure is systolic blood pressure 140-180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 90-120.

Normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are considered under 120/80 mmHg. The next stage is elevated blood pressure, which is 120-129 systolic mmHg and diastolic pressure remaining less than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure starts at hypertension stage one, which is a systolic reading of 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic reading of 80-89 mmHg. Hypertension stage two is progressive hypertension, and its the last stop before the hypertensive crisis stage of having blood pressures over 180/120 mmHg.

Its important to remember that the above stages are all distinguished through consistent, reliable blood pressure measurements. In other words, your blood pressure should be taken at least twice on two separate occasions via a trustworthy measurement tool before a classification of hypertension stage two is made.

Also Check: How Do I Bring My Blood Pressure Down

So You Have High Blood Pressure What Else Could Be Wrong

If you have high blood pressure, get checked for diabetes and high cholesterol. Most people who have high blood pressure also have some of the other risks for heart disease and stroke, such as not getting enough physical activity, having unhealthy eating habits, smoking, being overweight or drinking too much alcohol. Ask your doctor to test your kidney function through a blood and urine test, and through the electrolytes in your blood kidney problems can cause high blood pressure.

Heart Rate Vs Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure: How High is Too High and How Do I Lower it Safely?

Blood pressure measures the force that moves blood through your blood vessels while your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. They are both important health indicators, but they are measured independently and dont necessarily increase or decrease synchronously.

A temporary increase in heart rate, such as during exercise, is not considered problematic. In fact, your heart is expected to rise during a bout of activity and return to its resting rate afterward. And the more intense you work, the more you should expect your heart rate to rise during exercise. Your heart rate can safely double during activity so long as it returns to its resting rate relatively soon after you finish your workout.

Significant increases in blood pressure, on the other hand, are not normal and should be monitored and shared with your health care provider.

Have Your Blood Pressure Measured Regularly

Have your blood pressure measured regularly and know what your blood pressure is. Remember that both numbers are important. If either the systolic or diastolic number is high , then your doctor will need to further check your blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement of less than 120/80 mmHg is very good unless it causes dizziness.

Explore Blood Pressure Readings Similar To 80/50

The following table shows related blood pressure readings because sometimes just one number can make all the difference.

Please note that if a field is blank, it’s not an accidentit simply means a record doesn’t exist for that particular blood pressure. This could be because going forward or backward would create a blood pressure reading that wouldn’t make sense, or because that blood pressure simply doesn’t exist in our records.

Prev systolic num

Choosing A Blood Pressure Monitor

If you’re planning to take your blood pressure at home, it’s important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep monitor, but there are other options.

When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:

Fit: To ensure a proper fit, measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff.
Number of people: If more than one person will be using the monitor, make sure to choose one that fits everyone.
Features: Some blood pressure monitors offer extra tech features, like Bluetooth and app connectivity. If you don’t think you’ll benefit from these extras, go ahead and choose one that is efficient, easy to use, and more affordable.
Budget: High-quality blood pressure monitors vary dramatically in price, from around $25 to well over $100. Keep in mind that a good monitor is a great investment and that you will be using it daily for several years.
Other considerations: The AHA notes that when selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant person, or child, you should make sure it is validated for these conditions.

If you need help selecting an at-home device, check out these blood pressure monitors, which were vetted by the Verywell team based on the above criteria.

Baroreceptor Signals Sent To The Veins

If blood pressure becomes too high, baroreceptors send signals to the veins instructing them to expand and store more blood and return less blood to the heart. The result is blood flow decreases and blood pressure becomes lower. Conversely, veins can become narrower and return more blood to the heart, which increases blood pressure.

You May Like: Bp Effects

Also Check: What Is Optimum Blood Pressure

Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure

Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dehydration and unusual thirst
Dehydration can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop. However, dehydration does not always cause low blood pressure. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
Lack of concentration

What Are The Symptoms

One of the sneaky things about high blood pressure is that you can have it for a long time without symptoms. That’s why it is important for you have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

If you do have symptoms, they may be:

Although it happens rarely, the first symptom may be a stroke.

Recommended Reading: Why Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure

How Bad Is Hypotension For The Brain

Ask public health officials about HYPERtension and you will be told by the CDC that Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure 80 mm Hg You will also learn that hypertension contributes to roughly half a million deaths each year. HYPOtension , on the other hand, seems to get far less attention. But low blood pressure can also be dangerous. What can be done about it?

Also Check: How To Calibrate Home Blood Pressure Monitor

How Often Should You Get Your Blood Pressure Checked

Top 8 Worst Foods for High Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is higher than it should be, follow your doctors advice with regard to how often you should check your blood pressure at home. Also find out from your doctor what you should do if your blood pressure readings are higher than usual.

If you dont have high blood pressure, its still important to get it checked regularly, as blood pressure can change over time. Medical experts suggest the following timeline for low risk individuals:

For people between 18 and 40. Get your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years.
For anyone over 40. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

You may need to have your blood pressure checked more regularly if you:

have a family history of hypertension
have heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease
are overweight or have obesity
have sleep apnea or insomnia

You dont necessarily have to get your blood pressure checked at your doctors office. Some health care clinics do free blood pressure screenings. You may also schedule an appointment at your local pharmacy.

Untreated and uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and other organs, including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain.

Complications of hypertension can include:

Recommended Reading: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Lightheadedness

Will Taking Birth Control Pills Increase My Chances Of Getting High Blood Pressure

Doctors and researchers have found a link between birth control pills and an increase in blood pressure among some women. They say that it is more likely to occur in women who are overweight, have kidney disease or have a family history of high blood pressure.

Talk to your health care team to determine what forms of birth control may be best for you. Women with known medical problems or other special conditions might need additional examinations or tests to determine the appropriate method of contraception.

When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

A hypertensive crisisdefined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hgrequires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you are also experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, weakness, or numbness.

Stroke And Brain Problems

High blood pressure can cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke. Brain cells die during a stroke because they do not get enough oxygen. Stroke can cause serious disabilities in speech, movement, and other basic activities. A stroke can also kill you.

Having high blood pressure, especially in midlife, is linked to having poorer cognitive function and dementia later in life. Learn more about the link between high blood pressure and dementia from the National Institutes of Healths Mind Your Risks®external icon campaign.

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

Recommended Reading: How To Decrease Blood Pressure Naturally

Tomatoes And Tomato Products

Tomatoes and tomato products are rich in many nutrients, including potassium and the carotenoid pigment lycopene.

Lycopene has been significantly associated with beneficial effects on heart health, and eating foods high in this nutrient, such as tomato products, may help reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure .

A review of 21 studies concluded that consuming tomato and tomato products improves blood pressure and may help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart-disease-related death 30010-2/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 26).

When To Contact A Medical Professional

If you have high blood pressure, you will have regular checkups with your provider.

Even if you have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked during your regular check-up, especially if someone in your family has or had high blood pressure.

Contact your provider right away if home monitoring shows that your blood pressure is still high.

Also Check: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Ringing In The Ears

Potential Health Benefits Of Whiskey

Whiskey contains fewer calories compared to other alcohols and has no carbohydrates or sugar. Its ellagic acid content may also reduce bodily inflammation and lower the risk of obesity.

Research suggests that there are other health benefits to drinking whiskey. However, these benefits are all associated with moderate consumption â heavy drinking can lead to serious health issues.

A glass of whiskey a day may offer health benefits like:

Heart Health

Whiskey has high levels of polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in whiskey have been shown to decrease â bad â cholest erol and increase âg ood â cholesterol levels, and reduce triglycerides, or fat in your blood.

Bad cholesterol and triglycerides can clog your arteries, while good cholesterol helps to keep them clear. Maintaining healthy levels can help prevent heart disease and stroke.

Relief of Cold Symptoms

Whiskey can temporarily widen your blood vessels. In small amounts, this can help clear mucus congestion in your sinuses and chest, which lets your body better deal with sickness and infection. This effect may also relieve other symptoms of a cold or flu, like coughing or wheezing.

Immune System Support

Brain Health

One study found that people who consumed one to six drinks weekly had a lower risk of dementia than non-drinkers. Another showed that moderate alcohol intake might reduce cognitive decline in people with Alzheimerâs Disease.

What Can I Do To Prevent Or Manage High Blood Pressure

Best Ways To Lower Your High Blood Pressure

Many people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure into a healthy range or keep their numbers in a healthy range by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your health care team about

Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
Managing stress

Learn more about ways to manage and prevent high blood pressure.

In addition to making positive lifestyle changes, some people with high blood pressure need to take medicine to manage their blood pressure. Learn more about medicines for high blood pressure.

Talk with your health care team right away if you think you have high blood pressure or if youve been told you have high blood pressure but do not have it under control.