How Many Times Can I Donate Plasma
Plasma donations through the American Red Cross can only be made once every 28 days, or up to 13 times each year.
But most private plasma-donation companies allow people to donate plasma more frequently up to multiple times a week.
Plasma donation companies that operate on a pay-per-donation system offer financial incentives for donors. For many, frequent plasma donation is a lucrative way to earn extra money.
High Blood Pressure And Low Blood Pressure
HYPERTENSIONmeans elevated blood pressure . Higher than 140 over 90, 140/90, but some doctors allow higher reading. Salt may increase the reading, so you may want to cut back a little. If you are already on medication for hypertension and its still high, let the doctor know and they would probably adjust or changes something.
Hypertension may wear out your arteries like you wearing out the garden hose under pressure. High blood pressure increases your chance for heart attacks, strokes, kidney, and eye problems. There are many natural or non-drug activities you can do to get your hypertension under control.
HYPOTENSION means a low blood pressure and it would be consistent readings less than 80/60 consistently. If you are very athletic, your body may have adjusted to these lower readings. If you are ever hospitalized, do yourself a big favour and tell someone your BP will naturally be lower.
You may feel proud of your low blood pressure but think this through, you may realize that reduced amounts of oxygen, chemicals, or nutrients will also reaching the cells, any cells. Somehow I dont think that maintains a healthy lifestyle. So it is just as important to take regular readings if you suffer from hypotension as for hypertension.
What Are The Side Effects Of Not Taking High Blood Pressure Medication
Hypertension influences 33% of grown-ups. Fortunately, hypertension can be controlled with vital medication and some lifestyle changes. The terrible news, in any case, is that not as much as half of the patients diagnosed with hypertension has their condition under control. Numerous patients with hypertension are recommended medicine to enable bringing down the level of blood pressure. However, they may neglect to take them appropriately.
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Routine Tests Your Doctor May Request
Your doctor will use information obtained from your personal health history and physical examination to determine which laboratory tests and imaging studies you should undergo. The following tests are routine:
- Urinalysis, or analysis of the urine
- Complete blood cell count, which determines the number of each major type of blood cell involves drawing blood
- A 12-lead electrocardiogram that provides a record of the heart’s electrical activity
- Blood chemistry tests including:
- Creatinine level, which is a way to measure kidney function
- Fasting glucose level
- Total cholesterol level and triglyceride level
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level analysis. This is sometimes called “good cholesterol.”
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level analysis. This is sometimes called “bad cholesterol”.
When Treatment Is Recommended
Everyone with high blood pressure is advised to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Whether medicine is also recommended depends on your blood pressure reading and your risk of developing problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
Your doctor will carry out some blood and urine tests, and ask questions about your health to determine your risk of other problems:
- if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg , but your risk of other problems is low you’ll be advised to make some changes to your lifestyle
- if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg and your risk of other problems is high you’ll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes
- if your blood pressure is consistently above 160/100mmHg you’ll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension
Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Many people wont experience any symptoms. It may take years or even decades for the condition to reach levels severe enough that symptoms become obvious. Even then, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues.
of severe hypertension can include:
- flushing
According to the American Heart Association , contrary to popular thought, severe hypertension doesnt typically cause nosebleeds or headaches except when someone is in hypertensive crisis.
The best way to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure readings. Most doctors offices take a blood pressure reading at every appointment.
If you only have a yearly physical, talk with your doctor about your risks for hypertension and other readings you may need to help you watch your blood pressure.
For example, if you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for developing the condition, your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked twice a year. This helps you and your doctor stay on top of any possible issues before they become problematic.
There are two types of hypertension. Each type has a different cause.
Nerve Injury And Irritation
As a healthcare provider inserts or withdraws a needle, it may hit a nerve. This can result in:
- sharp pain at the site
- numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
- shooting pain down the arm
- weakness in the arm
If this happens, the healthcare provider will stop the donation and apply a cold compress.
A person may attend a follow-up to ensure that any associated issues receive appropriate attention.
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Measuring Ambulatory Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can also be diagnosed through a special device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. A doctor, nurse or pharmacist will get you to wear the device for a full day. The device measures blood pressure every 20 to 30 minutes and gives the doctor an average of your blood pressures during the day and while you are sleeping. These devices are not available everywhere and can be uncomfortable to wear.
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.
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How To Understand High Blood Pressure Readings
Two numbers create a blood pressure reading. Systolic pressure indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps out blood. Diastolic pressure is the reading of the pressure in your arteries between beats of your heart.
Five categories define blood pressure readings for adults:
- Healthy: A healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury .
- Elevated: The systolic number is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic number is less than 80 mm Hg. Doctors usually dont treat elevated blood pressure with medication. Instead, your doctor may encourage lifestyle changes to help lower your numbers.
- Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic number is between 130 and 139 mm Hg, or the diastolic number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic number is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
- Hypertensive crisis: The systolic number is over 180 mm Hg, or the diastolic number is over 120 mm Hg. Blood pressure in this range requires urgent medical attention. If any symptoms like chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, or visual changes occur when blood pressure is this high, medical care in the emergency room is needed.
A blood pressure reading is taken with a pressure cuff. For an accurate reading, its important you have a cuff that fits. An ill-fitting cuff may deliver inaccurate readings.
Is General Anesthesia Safe For People With High Blood Pressure
I am a board-certified anesthesiologist in Lake Tahoe, California. I write from the perspective of both a doctor and a patient.
The answer to the question of whether general anesthesia safe for people with high blood pressure is: usually.
For elective surgery, blood pressure control should be optimized through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary. For emergency surgery, anesthesiologists will use their medications to control the blood pressure during anesthesia.
Like most issues in anesthesia, and medicine in general, there are many variables that determine the risk in different situations.
Among the determining factors are:
- Level of blood pressure elevation
- Type of surgery to be done
- Patient’s medication regimen
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Severe Hypertension |
Over 160 |
Hypertension and Pre-Hypertension Defined
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What Is A High Blood Pressure Reading
You will probably be diagnosed with high blood pressure if your readings are consistently 140/90mmHg or higher over a number of weeks. This is the cut-off point many GPs use for diagnosing high blood pressure.
You might also have high blood pressure if just one of the numbers is higher than it should be so if the top number is over 140mmHg or the bottom number is over 90mmHg.
A single high reading doesnt necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, as many things can affect your blood pressure throughout the day and it could just be a one-off. If you have a high reading, your doctor or nurse will want to see if it stays high over time before diagnosing high blood pressure.
What Can I Do To Prevent Or Manage 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
- Not smoking
- 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.
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Common Causes Of High Blood Pressure Spikes
Some people with high blood pressure will experience sharp rises in their blood pressure. These spikes, which typically last only a short period of time, are also known as sudden high blood pressure. These are some possible causes:
- Caffeine
- Certain medications or combinations of medications
- Chronic kidney disease
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
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:
- high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80
- ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while the target for over-80s is below 150/90mmHg
Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Page last reviewed: 23 October 2019 Next review due: 23 October 2022
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What A Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure Means
A sudden drop in blood pressure, also called hypotension, can occur for any number of reasons. Some may be of no real concern, while others may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition.
This article will cover the various causes of low blood pressure, possible symptoms, and treatment options.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated
If high blood pressure is due to a condition like kidney disease or lung disease, treating it might be enough to get the blood pressure back to normal.
Doctors also might recommend lifestyle changes. If you have hypertension, your doctor might want you to:
Eat a healthy diet:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
- Limit salt.
- Avoid alcohol.
Get regular exercise:
- Try to exercise for 3060 minutes at least 3 times a week. But teens with severe hypertension should not do any weightlifting or power-lifting, bodybuilding, or strength training until their blood pressure is under control and a doctor says it’s OK.
Not smoke. Or if you do smoke, quit:
- People with high blood pressure should not smoke, and their home and car should be smoke-free.
If diet and exercise changes do not improve the blood pressure, doctors may prescribe medicine.
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Legs Hips And Stomach
Narrow and blocked arteries in the lower part of your body — especially your legs — can cause pain and cramping. Because it’s affecting blood vessels that aren’t near your heart, your doctor may call this peripheral artery disease . It can make muscles in your legs and hips sore and tired when you walk or climb stairs.
What Are The Risks Of Resistant Hypertension
Over time, uncontrolled hypertension damages the arteries, contributing to their stiffening. As the arteries become narrower and less flexible, the heart has to work harder to move blood through the body. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and other heart conditions cause damage to your kidneys, memory and vision and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
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What Are The Treatments For High Blood Pressure
Treatments for high blood pressure include heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines.
You will work with your provider to come up with a treatment plan. It may include only the lifestyle changes. These changes, such as heart-healthy eating and exercise, can be very effective. But sometimes the changes do not control or lower your high blood pressure. Then you may need to take medicine. There are different types of blood pressure medicines. Some people need to take more than one type.
If your high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or medicine, treating that condition or stopping the medicine may lower your blood pressure.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
How Can You Reduce Your Risk Of High Blood Pressure
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. These include the following:
- Eat right: A healthy diet is an important step in keeping your blood pressure normal. The DASH diet emphasizes adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet while reducing the amount of sodium. Since its rich in fruits and vegetables, which are naturally lower in sodium than many other foods, the DASH diet makes it easier to eat less salt and sodium.
- Keep a healthy weight: Going hand-in-hand with a proper diet is keeping a healthy weight. Since being overweight increases your blood pressure, losing excess weight with diet and exercise will help lower your blood pressure to healthier levels.
- Cut down on salt: The recommendation for salt in your diet is to have less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day . To prevent hypertension, you should keep your salt intake below this level. Don’t forget that most restaurant foods and many processed and frozen foods contain high levels of salt. Use herbs and spices that do not contain salt in recipes to flavor your food do not add salt at the table.
- Keep active: Even simple physical activities, such as walking, can lower your blood pressure .
- Drinkalcoholin moderation: Having more than one drink a day and two drinks a day can raise blood pressure.
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Does Giving Blood Lower Cholesterol Levels
If you have high levels of bad cholesterol, you might be familiar with studies suggesting that blood donation may lower your levels. Although blood donation is helpful for supplying blood for emergencies and medical procedures to individuals who need it, it can be surprising to hear that donating your blood regularly may have a beneficial effect on your health. But are these studies evidence enough that you should become a regular blood donor? With this overview, learn about the purported benefits of blood donation and what the research says about them.
What Are The Types Of High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure with no known single cause, this is called essential hypertension or primary hypertension. Most people have this type of hypertension. If you have high blood pressure which is caused by another health problem, this is known as secondary hypertension, and treating the cause should bring your blood pressure back down to normal.
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Is It Possible To Have Low Bp And High Bp
Blood pressure is measured by the momentum of blood flow. It naturally changes throughout the day and most of the time, it is predictable. For example, when you exercise, your blood pressure would be high but during the resting time, BP would be recorded low. In such cases, you wont experience any prominent signs or symptoms of fluctuating blood pressure. These are mostly fleeting and brief.
But if you notice symptoms and upon checking you find the blood pressure is unusually high or low, it may be concerning. Some people do experience both low BP and high BP problems but it depends on the reading whether they need medical consultation or not.