Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeNewsWhat Is Low Blood Pressure Chart

What Is Low Blood Pressure Chart

Blood Pressure Chart: Systolic Bp And Diastolic Bp

Blood Pressure – What is Blood Pressure – How To Lower Blood Pressure

This blood pressure chart by age can offer you a referrence when you need to find out what your own blood pressure means. The BP numbers shown in the chart represent typical systolic-diastolic pairs. Even if the normal blood pressure for men is 120/80 mm Hg, it can vary slightly according to age. Since our body changes all the time, it is normal for our BP to change, as well.

Age
  • Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
  • Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
  • Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
  • Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg
  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120. A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency.

A persons blood pressure changes in day and night. Generally, the blood pressure is the lowest during 3am to 4am, then it goes up slightly until it reaches a peak sometime between 8am to 10am. It then goes down, and then goes up again to reach the second peak sometime between 3pm to 5pm. The variance can be 30-40 mm Hg within 24 hours for each person. Thats why doctors would recommend to measure your BP three times a day.

What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Low Blood Pressure

In some people, particularly relatively healthy ones, symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and fainting raise the suspicion of low blood pressure. In others, an event often associated with low blood pressure, for example, a heart attack, has occurred to cause the symptoms.

Measuring blood pressure in both the lying and standing positions usually is the first step in diagnosing low blood pressure. In patients with symptomatic low blood pressure, there often is a marked drop in blood pressure upon standing, and patients may even develop orthostatic symptoms. The heart rate often increases. The goal is to identify the cause of the low blood pressure. Sometimes the causes are readily apparent . At other times, the cause may be identified by testing:

How To Lower High Blood Pressure Fast

Although a blood pressure chart may help you monitor your blood pressure level, knowing how to lower blood pressure or avoid its development is also necessary. Take the following measures to reduce blood pressure in case you are diagnosed with it.

  • Increase your Physical activity
  • Quit or limit caffeine consumption
  • Avoid tobacco smoking or chewing
  • Cut down on your weight
  • Manage and reduce your stress
  • Eat plenty of foods that are known to lower hypertension
  • Avoid or moderate on foods which may increase hypertension
  • Medications prescribed by doctors

Recommended Reading: Does Claritin D Raise 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.

If You Notice A Sudden Decline In Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure Chart

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

You May Like: Do Onions Lower Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure Symptoms

Low blood pressure is pressure so low it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not function normally and may be temporarily or permanently damaged.

Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure is defined primarily by signs and symptoms of low blood flow and not by a specific blood pressure number. Some individuals routinely may have blood pressure numbers of 90/50 with no symptoms and therefore do not have low blood pressure. However, others who normally have higher blood pressures may develop symptoms of low blood pressure if their blood pressure drops to 100/60.

During pregnancy, blood pressure tends to decrease. Normal blood pressure during pregnancy may be lower than 100/60. Your OB/GYN or Midwife should monitor your bood pressure if you are pregnant.

What Is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the daydeclining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress. An increase in the resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.

Blood pressure is written as systolic and diastolic values. Hence, BP 120/80 mm Hg means 120 is the systolic number, and 80 is the diastolic number.

You May Like: Does Spicy Food Cause High Blood Pressure

How To Prevent High Blood Pressure

Preventing high blood pressure is much easier than managing it. Luckily, most risk factors for hypertension can be controlled except Age, Gender, Race/ethnicity, and Family history.

There is poor awareness when it comes to HBP preventive measures. Embrace behaviors and lifestyle that will help you prevent high blood pressure. Some of the ways to prevent it include:

  • Eat a healthy diet Include potassium and magnesium rich foods and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  • Reduce salt consumption Avoid taking too much salt in your diet
  • Reducing caffeine consumption Coffee contains caffeine which may elevate your blood pressure.
  • Maintaining healthy weight Avoid obesity through regular exercise and healthy diet.
  • Exercising regularly This will keep you physically fit. Exercise for at least 30 minutes for at least 5 days a week.
  • Avoiding tobacco Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Equally, avoid tobacco smoke from smokers .
  • Drinking moderately Quit drinking or limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Learn how to quit drinking easily. Take a single drink occasionally if you have to.
  • Managing stress Stress may be is part of life. However you can manage it.
  • Monitoring your blood pressure check your blood pressure throughout in order notice any anomaly early enough to take measures to deal with it.
  • Check Your Blood Pressure At Home

    Blood Pressure Chart for your AGE

    The new blood pressure guidelines advise that blood pressure be measured regularly and itâs encouraged to make use of a home blood pressure monitor. Here is some advice on how to choose the best blood pressure monitor. The best blood pressure monitor is a blood pressure cuff that fits around the upper arm. Finger and wrist monitors arenât as accurate. Choose an automated blood pressure cuff with a self inflating cuff and a large, bright digital readout.

    Recommended Reading: Spicy Food Blood Pressure

    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.

    The Blood Pressure Chart

    Once you know your numbers, you can use the blood pressure chart to see what they mean and if your blood pressure is in the healthy range. The chart is suitable for adults of any age, as the cut-off point for diagnosing high blood pressure doesnt change with age.

    How to use the blood pressure chart

    Simply find your top number on the left side of the chart and your bottom number on the bottom. Where the two lines meet is your blood pressure.

    Get ready for Christmas early with our range of beautiful cards, wrapping paper and gifts including personalised notebooks. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, we’re sure you will find something you love. Shop now at Care Cards who will post the items on our behalf. 25% goes to fund our life-saving work.

    Read Also: Va Disability Rating For Hypertension

    How Older Adults Can Maintain A Healthy Blood Pressure

    Maintaining a healthy blood pressure doesnt have to be complicated. Simple lifestyle changes can help:

    • Exercise. National guidelines recommend adults of all ages engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. If mobility or health conditions are a problem, older adults should try to be as physically active as possible.
    • Lose weight. If your loved one is overweight, every 2 pounds lost can help reduce blood pressure by 1 mm Hg.
    • Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. It was designed specifically to help lower blood pressure. Try to limit sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
    • Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If your loved one chooses to drink alcoholic drinks, limit it to no more than one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
    • Dont smoke. Tobacco damages your artery walls. If your loved one smokes, ask their doctor how to help them quit.
    • Manage stress. Try simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation.

    In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to lower blood pressure. Your loved one may be having a difficult time achieving significant changes in their lifestyle, or their hypertension may be too severe to treat with diet and exercise alone.

    Which Number Is More Important

    Blood pressure readings: What they mean

    Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

    However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age 40 to 89.

    You May Like: Does Hot Sauce Cause High Blood Pressure

    Average Blood Pressure Reading By Age

    Synopsis: Blood pressure chart by age reveals if adults and children have high, low, or healthy average blood pressure range for their age. Systolic Pressure is the blood pressure reading when your heart beats. This reading is always the the first or top number. Diastolic Pressure is blood pressure measurement when your heart relaxes. This is always the the second or bottom number.

    What Is Considered High Blood Pressure

    Hypertension is according to the latest blood pressure guidelines now defined as a systolic reading of 130 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic reading of 80 mm Hg or higher. This a change from the old blood pressure guidelines for hypertension, which was a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher, and a diastolic reading of 80 mm Hg or higher.

    Read Also: Onion Blood Pressure

    Blood Pressure Chart: High Low Or Normal For Adults & Children By Age

    You can use a blood pressure chart by age and height or by gender to understand the meaning of your pressure readings. The charts provide ranges for high, low and normal pressure readings for adults and children. Statistically, high blood pressure is now one of the main causes of fatalities in the world. However, very few people understand their blood pressure readings and the acceptable level of blood pressure. A blood pressure chart may aid you keep your blood pressure within the normal range. Definitely, this will minimize chances of unprecedented complication and eventualities.

  • How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
  • Consume Less Salt To Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

    Blood Pressure Levels Chart

    If you have hypertension, the smallest decrease of the sodium in the diet can reduce blood pressure by approximately 5 to 6 mm Hg. Sodium should generally be limited to 2,300 mg a day or less, although a lower sodium intake of 1,500 mg a day or less is better. Eating fewer processed foods will help reduce sodium intake as most sodium is added during processing, with just a little amount of sodium occurring naturally in foods.

    Read Also: Do Onions Lower Blood Pressure

    What Is Low Blood Pressure

    Low blood pressure means that your blood pressure is lower than normal. Another name for low blood pressure is hypotension .

    In most healthy adults, low blood pressure does not cause problems or symptoms. In fact, it may be normal for you. For example, people who exercise regularly often have lower blood pressure than people who are not as fit.

    But if your blood pressure drops suddenly or causes symptoms like dizziness or fainting, it is too low. It can cause shock. Shock can be dangerous if it is not treated right away.

    Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic.

    • The systolic number shows how hard the blood pushes when the heart is pumping.
    • The diastolic number shows how hard the blood pushes between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.

    Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80, or “120 over 80.” Normal blood pressure is lower than 130/85.

    Low blood pressure does not have a specific number where it is too low. Most doctors consider blood pressure to be too low when it causes symptoms or drops suddenly. In general, low blood pressure symptoms happen when blood pressure is less than 90/60.

    What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Look Like

    When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number.

    • Systolic blood pressure. This is the first, or top, number. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body.
    • Diastolic blood pressure. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.

    Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury . If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and youd call it 120 over 80.

    This video explains more about systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

    Recommended Reading: High Blood Pressure Va Disability Rating

    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 high blood pressure . This is the point where your risk of serious health problems goes up. They might prescribe medications and advise you to make changes to your lifestyle 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 healthy changes to your lifestyle 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 healthy lifestyle will help you to keep it in the healthy range. 90/60mmHg or lower you may have low blood pressureLow 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.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles