So What Causes Our Blood Pressure To Be Elevated
Our blood pressure can rise transiently in response to a specific situation, or can be elevated more chronically secondary to certain diseases, diet, lifestyle, even aging. The latter is more important for long term health.
Temporary elevations in blood pressure can result from stressful life circumstances such as pain, an argument with a friend, pressure on the job, grief or depression, waiting for your coffee at Starbucks. You get the picture. This is normal, expected, and a part of life.
More sustained elevations in blood pressure can result from chronic conditions such as aging , a diet high in salt , a diet high in cholesterol , hormonal changes, diseases of the brain or kidney the list goes on. It is this long term hypertension, however, that can lead to disease.
The take-home point for our patients here is that, while we cant always control the day to day circumstances that lead to fluctuations in our blood pressure, the main goal is a relatively well-controlled blood pressure over time. It is also important to point out that as we age, and our blood vessels naturally get stiffer, it is normal to have a gradually increasing baseline pressure over time. In other words, healthy blood pressure for a 20-year-old is not the same number as healthy blood pressure for a 70-year-old, and so a healthy range is relative to the patient and their chronic medical conditions.
What Can I Do For Myself
There are other things you can do for yourself to help with your symptoms.
- Wear supportive elastic stockings . They put extra pressure on your legs which helps to improve circulation and raise your blood pressure. For some people this can be enough, but speak to your GP first because they arent suitable for everyone.
- Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down. You can try other simple movements to get the blood flowing before you stand up, such as straightening and bending your legs.
- Avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Drink enough water throughout the day, around 2 litres, so you dont get dehydrated.
- Eat little and often throughout the day. This avoids low blood pressure after eating.
Read more about how .
Treatment For High Pulse
Treatment for high pulse will vary according to a range of factors.
It is helpful to try to identify when the pulse first began to rise. Some episodes of a high pulse may be temporary. For example, if a person develops a high pulse after moving from a prone to a standing position too quickly, the heart might beat more quickly to compensate for gravitys effects.
People who experience bouts of low blood pressure or high pulse while moving from a prone to standing position could try to slow down these movements to help avoid the issue.
Exercising may also lead to a high heart rate, especially if a person is not very fit. This is because the heart may start beating faster even after a person attempts minor exercise.
If a person notices that their heart is beating faster, finding ways to calm the body and brain may help. A person can try slowing down their breathing rate or practicing guided meditations to help them relax and reduce heart rate.
If the heart rate does not go back to normal or if a person is worried, contact a doctor for a full diagnosis.
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Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
When you get your blood pressure taken, it is given as two numbers. For example, you might be told that your blood pressure is 120/80.
This number is always written as a fraction and refers to two things happening in your heart. The top number in the fraction is called the Systolic pressure . This number measures the highest blood pressure in your arteries when the heart muscle contracts.
The bottom number in the fraction is called the Diastolic pressure . This number measures the lowest blood pressure in your arteries when the heart is relaxed between beats. Both numbers are important in determining if your BP is normal or if you have hypertension.
Treatment For Low Blood Pressure Depends On The Cause
If a cause can be found, a GP will be able to recommend treatment to ease your symptoms.
For example, they may suggest:
- changing medicines or altering your dose, if this is the cause
- wearing support stockings this can improve circulation and increase blood pressure
Medicine to increase blood pressure is rarely needed because simple lifestyle measures or treating the underlying cause is usually effective.
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Hypertensive Crisis: When To Go To The Er For High Blood Pressure
If you are one of the 75 million Americans dealing with high blood pressure, you may have heard about a hypertensive crisis. Hypertension begins at a blood pressure reading of 140/90, and it becomes increasingly more severe after that. Because blood pressure spikes affect us all in different ways, its hard to know when should you go to the ER. One of Advance ERs experienced physicians, Dr. Joseph Meier, takes time to answer your hypertension questions so you know exactly when to go to get medical help.
Tips To Lower Blood Pressure Fast In Emergencies
Blood pressure is defined as the pressure that blood applies to the walls of the arteries while being pumped by the heart. A normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Where 120 is the pressure when the heart pumps and 80 is the pressure when the heart relaxes. This much pressure is important because blood needs to reach every organ of the body to provide it with nutrients.
What you should know:
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
The symptoms of low blood pressure may include:
- light-headedness
These symptoms can occur when doing nothing. They are more likely to occur when changing position, such as standing up or when straining on the toilet.
However, often there are no symptoms and low blood pressure is often only identified as a result of a routine medical examination or during the course of an investigation for some other condition or underling illness.
Low blood pressure may be more serious in elderly people who may have an underlying illness or who may be at risk of a fall.
Check your symptoms with healthdirects Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.
Low Blood Pressure With An Adrenal Crisis
If you have been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, you probably understand what an adrenal crisis feels like. An adrenal crisis may be the first sign of adrenal insufficiency if you did not know you had it. Please read this article if you would like to properly understand what an adrenal crisis is.
If you have the following symptoms developing rapidly within a few hours and making you very sick, you need to think about low blood pressure with an adrenal crisis. Here are the symptoms:
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Blood Pressure Medicine Recall: Consult Your Doctor Before Taking Action
Two batches of blood pressure medication have been pulled over impurity.
Jessica Rendall
Wellness Writer
Jessica is a writer on the Wellness team with a focus on health news. Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music.
Two types of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets made by Aurobindo Pharma USA are being recalled because they contain too-high levels of nitrosamines. These compounds are commonly found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products and vegetables in low levels, but may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time, according to the voluntary recall from Aurobindo, which was posted by the US Food and Drug Administration last month.
Quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide are used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. Two lots of Aurobindo’s 20 mg/12.5 mg are included in the recall, both with expiration dates through January 2023, and the specific lot numbers can be found in the recall announcement on Oct. 25. The tablets are pink-colored and round, with “D” printed on one side and “19” on the other side.
If you have this medication, you should talk with your doctor before you stop taking it, according to the notice posted by the FDA. Untreated high blood pressure can raise the risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious health issues or medical emergencies, so you should discuss the risks and benefits of any change in medication.
How To Lower Blood Pressure Instantly In An Emergency At Home
- Try to stay calm. This might not be easy if you are worried, but remember that being calm can actually reduce blood pressure. Sit down and focus on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths and hold them for a few seconds before releasing.
- Take your blood pressure medication if your doctor has prescribed something for you.
- A cup of hibiscus or chamomile tea can also help you feel calmer, it is a good idea to stock up on these teabags. However, avoid black tea or coffee at this time.
- You can also eat a piece of dark chocolate to help the release of endorphins that will calm you down.
Blood pressure is not a critical ailment if controlled in the initial stages. Proper chronic care management plans and consulting doctors regularly will ensure that lifestyle diseases are kept at bay.
The best way to control high blood pressure is with small consistent steps, over time. However, if you do find yourself in an emergency, remember to stay as calm as possible and follow the points mentioned above.
Browse more blog topics like Ayurvedic Remedies For Blood Pressure on our health and lifestyle blog. Find more such health tips on fitness and nutrition to guide you in your journey towards Activ Living.
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How To Treat Emergency Low Blood Pressure
What Happens When You Call 911 for a Health Emergency?
When someone calls 911 for a medical emergency, the ambulance calls the ER department and tells the police and he or she calls an ambulance. “We’re running lights and siren with a 67-year-old male. He’s confused, lethargic, has a blood pressure of 80 over 40, a thready pulse , and is sweaty. We’ll be at your door in a couple of minutes.”
The nurses start setting up the equipment to care for the patient. We’ve been through this drill before when someone arrives at the ER with low blood pressure. I hope it’s 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. “He’s had a fever for a couple of days with a cough. History of COPD, heart problems, and smokes.”
How Are the Causes of Medical Emergencies Diagnosed?
The diagnosis could be easy, but there are a variety of factors that could be causing this man’s condition. He is in shock his blood pressure is so low there is not enough pressure to provide blood flow and oxygen to his brain. That’s why he is lethargic. No doubt the rest of his organs are at risk too. But why?
What is the Prognosis for the Victim?
The victim’s vital signs are poor.
All bad however, they all are pointing to an infection that perhaps can be fixed with IV fluids.
How To Treat Hypotension
If you have low blood pressure that doesnt cause symptoms or only occasionally causes mild lightheadedness, you may not need to treat your condition.
If you have more significant symptoms, your doctor might suggest several lifestyle and medication changes for you to use to regulate your blood pressure better and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
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When To Go To The Er With High Blood Pressure
Gan Su, DO, an emergency medicine physician atMedical City Arlington, says you should come to the ER if you have a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure and:
- Your blood pressure is 10-20% higher than your normal
- You have other symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
Mahesh Thiagarajah, MD, aMedical City Healthcare emergency medicine physician, offers additional signs that you should go to the ER with high blood pressure:
- Top number is above 200
- Bottom number is above 100
- You feel weak or faint
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What Are The Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure often has no symptoms, but can sometimes mean that not enough blood is flowing to your brain or organs. This can cause symptoms such as:
- feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed
- feeling unsteady
- suddenly noticing your heartbeat
If you have these symptoms, stop what youre doing and sit down or lie down in case you fall, and drink some water.
Speak to your doctor or nurse if you experience these symptoms. As well as being unpleasant, they could mean youre at risk of having a fall. They could also be a sign of another health problem.
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What Kind Of Treatment Will I Get At The Er For Hypertension
If you are diagnosed with a hypertensive episode, you will be given oral or intravenous medications to try to bring the blood pressure down, says Dr. Meier. Damage will also be assessed. If the heart is involved, or if youve had a stroke, additional treatment will be given to address those complications.
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Can A Freestanding Er Handle My Hypertensive Crisis
Most definitely. At Advance ER, you will find much of the same equipment as in a hospital-based ER, including what is needed to treat a hypertensive crisis, heart attack or stroke.Without the long wait times, you will be comfortable, diagnosed and treated in record time. Our unique Specialists NOW program also makes a cardiologist available* for additional consultation assistance, as needed, he says. Were open 24/7 every day of the year, and youll get a board-certified physician with many years of experience, so dont hesitate to come in if you are concerned about your blood pressure reading or if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
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Symptoms That Warrant A Trip To The Er
It can be hard to tell when your best bet is to rush to the emergency room.
When you wake up in the middle of the night with an alarming symptommaybe its a high fever or splitting headacheits hard to know whether to rush to the emergency room or not. You dont want to overact, but you definitely dont want to underreact either. So how do you know when that stomach pain needs to be treated ASAP or if that numb feeling can wait until morning to deal with? We spoke to Ryan Stanton, MD, a board-certified emergency physician and spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians to find out.
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
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Treatment For Low Blood Pressure
Having low blood pressure is not always an immediate cause for concern. Many people with low blood pressure are unaware that they have it. Doctors may only consider treatment for low blood pressure if it causes troubling symptoms.
People who experience temporary symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness or increased heart rate after standing up too quickly, should sit down to rest until the symptoms subside.
People who frequently experience these symptoms must take great care when moving from a prone position to standing to avoid falling.
If a medication causes symptoms of low blood pressure, doctors may recommend switching medications or lowering a dosage. A person should only change their medication under the guidance of a doctor.
The note that some people may not need treatment for low blood pressure at all. However, for those that do, possible treatments may include:
- drinking water to avoid dehydration
- taking medications to raise the blood pressure
- changing eating habits
Low Blood Pressure When You Stand Up
Sometimes, changes in your posture can cause your blood pressure to drop, for example, going from sitting or lying down to standing up. You might feel the symptoms listed above when you stand up, such as feeling dizzy or faint. They will pass quickly as your body adjusts, but can put you at risk of falls.
This is called postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension. Its caused by changes to your arteries which happen as you get older and if youre taking medications to lower your blood pressure.
The animation below provides information on the causes, symptoms and potential interventions related to orthostatic hypotension.
This film was produced by Newcastle University for work completed by Dr James Frith, supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre.
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