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What Is The Highest Blood Pressure Number

What Are Uncontrollable Risk Factors

High Blood Pressure Numbers: Normal vs. Dangerous
  • Race – African Americans develop high blood pressure more often than whites, and it tends to occur earlier and be more severe.
  • Heredity – A tendency to have high blood pressure runs in families. If your parents or other close blood relatives have it, youre more likely to develop it.
  • Age – In general, the older you get, the greater your chance of developing high blood pressure. It occurs most often in people over age 35. Men seem to develop it most often between age 35 and 50. Women are more likely to develop it after menopause.

*BMI is used to define nutritional status and is derived from the following formula: BMI = 703 x Body Weight divided by The standards are the same for men and women. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.

Healthy And Unhealthy Blood Pressure Ranges

Learn whats considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

Blood Pressure Chart

SYSTOLIC mm Hg and/or DIASTOLIC mm Hg
NORMAL
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE STAGE 1 130 139
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE STAGE 2 140 OR HIGHER
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120

Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings.

The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are:

What Questions Should I Ask My Provider

  • Are there supplements or non-prescription medicines that I shouldnt take?
  • Can I keep taking these medicines if I get pregnant?
  • What kinds of exercise should I do?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you dont treat high blood pressure, it can put you at risk for developing serious illnesses later in life such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. But if you follow your providers instructions, you can control your blood pressure. Be sure to take any medicines your provider ordered as instructed. Keep taking them even if your blood pressure numbers begin to fall into the normal range. Living a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, watching your weight and getting regular exercise is also a great way to help control your blood pressure.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/21/2021.

References

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Does High Blood Pressure Have Any Symptoms

High blood pressure typically doesnt have any warning signs. Thats why its often called the silent killer. Because there may not be any symptoms, many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure.

However, early detection of hypertension is key as it can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and more.

If your blood pressure is dangerously high, you may have the following symptoms:

But, its important to know about your high blood pressure and the health risks it poses before it gets to this stage.

The only way to know for sure if you have hypertension is to get your blood pressure measured. You can then work with your doctor to find the treatment options that work best for keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range.

What Does High Blood Pressure Feel Like

New Blood Pressure Guidelines

High blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms, so you usually don’t feel it. Thats why its important to stay up to date on your preventive care screenings can help identify potential problems like elevated blood pressure when its easiest to treat.

If your blood pressure reaches extremely high levels, you may get a headache, shortness of breath or a nosebleed. However, these symptoms may not be specific to your blood pressure. Critically high blood pressure can be caused by conditions that can have similar symptoms, like strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure or certain drug interactions.

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How Can I Measure My Blood Pressure At Home

Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure monitoring.

SMBP means you regularly use a personal blood pressure measurement device away from a doctors office or hospitalusually at home. These blood pressure monitors are easy and safe to use. A health care team member can show you how to use one if you need help.

Evidence shows that people with high blood pressure are more likely to lower their blood pressure if they use SMBP combined with support from their health care team than if they dont use SMBP.3

Use these additional tips for SMBP:4

  • Use a blood pressure log to record your blood pressure measurements.
  • Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
  • Take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart.

High Blood Pressure And Older Adults

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. Your bodys network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. Arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. This can be true even for people who have heart-healthy habits and feel just fine. High blood pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer,” often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. Though it affects nearly half of all adults, many may not even be aware they have it.

If high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people.

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Living With High Blood Pressure

Controlling your high blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. You will always need to monitor your weight, make healthy food choices, exercise, learn to cope with stress, avoid smoking, and limit your alcohol intake. If you need medicine to control your high blood pressure, you will likely need it all your life.

Additionally, you will need to get used to regular blood pressure checks. Your doctor may want you to come to the office regularly. Or you may be asked to check your blood pressure at home and keep track of your numbers for your doctor. Some pharmacies and retail clinics have blood pressure machines on site. You can buy your own, automated arm blood pressure cuff for use at home. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times a day. Another option is to use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

Will High Blood Pressure Effect My Chances Of Getting Pregnant

High Blood Pressure: How to Understand the Numbers

Women who improve their heart health before pregnancy can reduce their medical risks later. This proactive approach can lower the likelihood of pregnancy complications. If youre considering becoming pregnant, talk to your health care team about healthy changes you can make to help both you and your baby be healthier.

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.

Learn more about pregnancy and maternal health, including information on being healthy before, during and after a pregnancy.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Jun 28, 2021

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How To Use A Home Blood Pressure Monitor

  • Be still. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.
  • Sit correctly.Sit with your back straight and supported . Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how.
  • Measure at the same time every day. Its important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily however ideally beginning 2 weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.
  • Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.
  • Don’t take the measurement over clothes.
and/or HIGHER THAN 120

Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings.

Understanding The Acc/aha Definition

It’s important to mention that the definition of high blood pressure according to the ACC/AHA differs slightly from other professional societies, such as the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Hypertension .

The ESC/ESH defines high blood pressure as a systolic blood pressure that is 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure that is 90 mmHg or higher.

The differences in definition are based on results from large studies that examined the link between blood pressure and the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.

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The Different Blood Pressure Levels Are:

  • Normal: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
  • Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
  • High Blood Pressure Stage 1:
  • 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
  • High Blood Pressure Stage 2:
  • 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
  • Hypertensive Crisis: higher than 180 and/or higher than 120 diastolic
  • These simple changes can go a long way and are key factors in lowering your numbers.

    What Causes Low Blood Pressure

    Blood Pressure Chart and 5 keys to healthy Blood Pressure

    There are many possible reasons for low blood pressure, according to both Dr. Wong and Dr. Desai, including:

    • Heart problems like heart failure or low heart rates
    • Endocrine problems, such as parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency or hypoglycemia
    • Side effects of medications for high blood pressure, prostatic hypertrophy, Parkinsons disease, depression and erectile dysfunction
    • Massive weight loss
    • Rapid heart rate

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    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.

    Most People With Hypertension Feel Okay

    Hypertension usually does not produce any symptoms, because the organs of the body can resist high blood pressure for a long time. Thats why its important to have regular medical examinations to make sure your blood pressure isnt creeping up as you grow older.High blood pressure over a period of time can contribute to many illnesses, including:

    The effects of high blood pressure on the arteries are worsened by:

    • cigarette smoking
    • high levels of saturated fat in the diet
    • high blood cholesterol

    Responses to some types of stress may affect both blood pressure and changes in the arteries, but this remains scientifically uncertain.

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    Secondary High Blood Pressure

    Some cases of high blood pressure are the result of underlying factors or cause and this is known as secondary high blood pressure.

    Underlying factors include:

    • kidney conditions, such as a kidney infection, or kidney disease
    • narrowing of the arteries
    • hormonal conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome
    • conditions that affect the bodys tissue, such as lupus
    • medication, such as the oral contraceptive pill, or the type of painkillers that are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen
    • recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal meth

    Occasionally, a rise in blood pressure can result from taking herbal remedies, such as herbal supplements.

    Blood Pressure And Ageing

    High Blood pressure: Why we shouldnt worry about the number

    With advancing years, the arteries tend to become more rigid . This may change a persons blood pressure pattern, with a higher systolic pressure and a lower diastolic pressure. The higher systolic pressure is important because it can further accelerate the rigidity of the arteries. This state is referred to as isolated systolic hypertension. Although these changes are due to ageing, this is not a normal state and may need medication to control the systolic pressures.

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    If You Get A High Blood Pressure Reading

    • A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is slightly or moderately higher than normal, take your blood pressure a few more times and consult your healthcare professional to verify if there s a health concern or whether there may be any issues with your monitor.
    • If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
    • If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

    What Is Low Vision

    Low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Low vision affects some people as they age. You may have low vision if you:

    • Cant see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading or cooking
    • Have difficulty recognizing the faces of your friends or family
    • Have trouble reading street signs
    • Find that lights dont seem as bright

    If you have any of these problems, ask your eye care professional to test you for low vision.

    Vision rehabilitation programs and special aids, such as a magnifying device, can help you adapt to vision loss and make the most of your remaining sight. Remember to ask your eye doctor if it is safe for you to drive with your vision. If you have to stop driving, organizations in your area may be able to arrange rides for you, or public transportation may be available.

    Other tips that may help:

    • Brighten the lighting in your room.
    • Write with bold, black felt-tip markers.
    • Use paper with bold lines to help you write in a straight line.
    • Put colored tape on the edge of any stairs in your home to help you see them and prevent you from falling.
    • Install dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets so that you can see them easily against light-colored walls.
    • Use motion lights that turn on when you enter a room. These may help you avoid accidents caused by poor lighting.
    • Use clocks with large numbers and phones with large screens put large-print labels on the microwave and stove.

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    What Causes High Blood Pressure

    High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also happen during pregnancy.

    You can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems that may affect your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

    What Should The Bottom Number Be

    Control Your High BP

    The diastolic measurement, or bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. This is the period when the heart receives blood and oxygen. This is what your diastolic blood pressure reading indicates: Lower than 80 is considered normal. Between 80 and 90 is considered elevated.

    Systolic blood pressure is the top number recorded during a blood pressure reading. It refers to the peak pressure of the heart when it pumps blood through the circulatory system. This number tells you how well your heart is doing its job pumping blood throughout your body.

    Your blood pressure is measured twice with an automatic machine. The first reading is called your baseline blood pressure. Your doctor may ask you to sit down before taking your blood pressure at home or at work. If you have a history of high blood pressure, your doctor will take your blood pressure over several visits before making a diagnosis.

    Hypertension is a very common condition that affects more than one-half of all adults over the age of 20. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, nearly 70 million Americans have hypertension.

    The two main types of hypertension are primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is due to problems with the nerve cells that control blood pressure or the kidney cells that remove salt from the blood.

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    Blood Pressure Monitor Vs Blood Pressure Cuff

    Blood pressure monitor and blood pressure cuff are two phrases often used to describe the same blood pressure measurement tool. The blood pressure cuff is the element that wraps around either the upper arm, wrist or finger to measure blood pressure. The blood pressure monitor is the element in charge of inflating and deflating the cuff, as well as providing your blood pressure reading on an easy-to-read display.

    Most experts recommend using a blood pressure monitor with an upper arm blood pressure cuff for at-home readings because they tend to be more accurate than wrist cuffs and finger cuffs.

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