Which Number Is More Important
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.
Also Check: Stopping High Blood Pressure
Exercise For Low Blood Pressure
Everyday exercise such as a 30-minute walk or light running can serve to improve circulation and alleviate any existing symptoms of low blood pressure. It is best to go with a companion if already a patient of hypotension, in case episodes of blurry vision, giddiness, or fainting happen during these times.
It is necessary to avoid undue stress to the body and sudden, jerky movements through heavy lifting and other strenuous exercise so that the flow of movement is smooth. Discipline and consistency regarding exercise aids the underlying causes of low blood pressure, while alleviating its symptoms as well.
What To Do If Your Blood Pressure Is Too Low
Drops in blood pressure occur when less blood reaches the brain than usual and, therefore, oxygenation is also lower. Although some people have hypotension, drops in blood pressure or faintingnormally occur in a timely manner, being more common in summer. It is necessary to know what should be done if a person is in this situation, so on OneHowTo we explain what to do if your pressure is too low.
When a drop in blood pressure occurs, symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, weakness, fainting⦠are presented. At the appearance of the first signs it will be necessary that the person suffering from hypotension lies down on the floor with legs raised. Thus, they will help blood to flow more easily get to the brain.
Keep the person with their legs about 45 degrees to the ground for a few minutes to facilitate oxygenation, which has been reduced due to the lipothymy or drop in blood pressure.
It will also be convenient to loosen the clothing of the person who has suffered from a drop in blood pressure, to facilitate breathing. You may need to fan them and it will be essential to avoid crowds around them.
If conscious, give them a sugary or caffeinated drink -such as coke or some sweets to revitalize them and increase their blood glucose level.
If you want to read similar articles to What to do if your blood pressure is too low, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
Recommended Reading: Is Spicy Food Bad For High Blood Pressure
What Is Blood Pressure
As blood pumps through the circulatory system, it pushes against the walls of the arteries and veins. Blood pressure is the force of the blood as it presses against the blood vessel walls. It is measured in systolic pressure and diastolic pressure .
Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. Normal blood pressure is considered to be below 120/80 mm Hg. In a blood pressure reading, the top number refers to systolic pressure, and the bottom number refers to the diastolic pressure.
Does Blood Pressure Drop Before A Heart Attack
Blood pressure is not an accurate predictor of a heart attack. Sometimes a heart attack can cause an increase or in blood pressure, but having a change in blood pressure reading doesnt always mean its heart-related. Instead, a better strategy for gauging a heart attack is to look at your overall symptoms.
Don’t Miss: Claritin Side Effects Blood Pressure
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed
Blood pressure is measured with a pressure cuff . The cuff is placed around the upper arm and then manually or electronically inflated. When it is inflated the cuff compresses the brachial artery, the major blood vessel of the upper arm, briefly stopping blood flow. The air in the cuff is then released slowly while the person performing the measurement listens with a stethoscope or monitors an electronic readout.
Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure : measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats
- Diastolic blood pressure : measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats
These measurements can tell if your blood pressure is normal, high, or low.
- High blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or more
- Elevated blood pressure levels between 120/80 and 139/89 are considered prehypertension and mean a person is at higher risk for developing high blood pressure
- Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg
Adults 20 years of age and older should have their blood pressure checked during regular doctor visits.
Symptoms And Causes Of Low Blood Pressure
Many different conditions and situations can cause low blood pressure, from standing up too fast to being pregnant. Sometimes, low blood pressure is linked to an underlying problem. Thats why its important to see your doctor right away if you experience the signs of low blood pressure.
Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Depression
Low blood pressure can be a sign of serious heart, endocrine or neurological conditions. If left untreated, the brain and other vital organs do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. In extreme cases, this can cause shock, a life-threatening condition.
If you show signs of low blood pressure, your doctor will conduct an exam and may perform tests to determine whats causing the condition. Low blood pressure can occur with many other conditions.
Some causes of low blood pressure are:
You May Like: Is Spicy Food Bad For High Blood Pressure
Don’t Miss: Blood Pressure Effect
What Causes High Blood Pressure
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure include:
- Family history
- Gender
- Up to age 64, men are more likely to develop high blood pressure than women
- At age 65 and older, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure than men
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure that can be prevented or managed include:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
Treatment Of Low Blood Pressure
Unless accompanied by other conditions, low blood pressure is usually easy to treat and does not require much medication. Often, a low blood pressure diet may be prescribed, or a change in lifestyle may become necessary. Common recommendations include:
Increased intake of water: Dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance resulting in signs of low blood pressure, and care towards adequate hydration would be important, especially in high temperature situations, during fevers or dysentery.
Increased sodium in diet: Salted nuts, cheeses and cured fish and meats are high in sodium content, and would help stabilize blood pressure in case it is very low. Care must be taken to not overdo it, however, and for a balance to be maintained.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption can cause fluctuation in heart rate and limiting its consumption for some time will help alleviate symptoms of low blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.
Exercise: Light exercises not involving much strain to the body help improve circulation of blood throughout, and keep the heart healthy. In cases of low blood pressure, it is important to be aware of its symptoms such as palpitations and cold skin so that exercising does not aggravate the condition.
Ceasing any aggravating medication:If intake of certain medication is seen to cause dips in blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a substitute for the drug, or even stopping its consumption till pressure is stabilized.
You May Like: Blood Pressure Mayo Clinic
Diagnosis Of Low Blood Pressure
-
Measuring blood pressure
-
Tests to determine cause
The doctor measures blood pressure and pulse while the person is lying down for a few minutes. If the blood pressure is not low and the person feels well, the doctor has the person stand up and rechecks the blood pressure right after standing up, and after a few minutes of standing. Other tests may be done to determine the cause of the low blood pressure, such as:
-
Blood tests
When Low Blood Pressure Is An Emergency
A functional circulatory system is essential to your overall health and wellbeing.
More than 100,000 times a day, your heart pumps blood through a closed system of arteries, veins, and other blood vessels to the organs, tissues, and cells that make up your entire body.
Your blood picks up and distributes oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other elements as it travels.
It also absorbs waste products and helps your body eliminate them.
Blood pressure is a measurement that tells doctors how intensely your blood exerts force on the walls of your veins as your heart pumps blood through your circulatory system.
When you visit a healthcare provider, they record your blood pressure as two measurements: systolic blood pressure, the first number, and diastolic blood pressure, the second number.
Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries that your heart creates when it pumps and fills the arteries with blood.
Diastolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in your veins when your heart is at rest.
Once doctors have both numbers, they can determine whether you have normal blood pressure, low blood pressure , or high blood pressure .
Blood pressure can change as you move through your day, but it can put you at risk for other serious health complications if it is chronically or excessively low or high.
Don’t Miss: What Can U Take For High Blood Pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sudden Drop In 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 can sometimes cause blood pressure to drop.
- Lack of concentration.
Q What Can Cause Low Blood Pressure
- Pregnancy
- Nutrition deficiency in the diet
- Certain antidepressants
You May Like: High Blood Pressure Shaking
What Causes Low Blood Pressure After Surgery
Most patients who undergo surgery will face lowering of blood pressure. This is often caused by a loss of blood or the prolonged effects of anesthesia. It might also be caused by an allergic reaction, dehydration, heart problems, and even infection in the body. The four most common causes are shown below.
1. Hypovolemic Shock
This occurs when there isn’t enough blood volume in the body. One of the most common causes is a hemorrhage, where blood spills out of the veins. When there is a hypovolemic shock, the blood pressure drops, the pulse rate goes up and the urine output decreases.
2. Cardiogenic Shock
This happens when the heart can’t contract and pump blood effectively. Cardiogenic shock is usually caused by myocardial infarction or heart attack. Up to ten percent of patients who suffer a heart attack will also suffer this cardiogenic shock 40 to 70 percent of those will die.
3. Septic Shock
When the body is overwhelmed by an infection, the arteries dilate, and there isn’t enough blood to keep up the strong pressure. As a result, blood pressure drops, sometimes dramatically. The patient will also have fever and a fast heart rate.
4. Anesthesia
The drugs that are required to put you to sleep for surgery can play havoc with low blood pressure. It happens during the surgery, as well as after. Doctors always monitor each patient very closely throughout the procedure and recovery to ensure that low blood pressure will be quickly detected and treated.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Dehydration can sometimes lead to low blood pressure. Some people may have hypotension even with mild dehydration.
You can also get dehydrated by losing water too quickly. This can happen through vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, strenuous exercise, and excess sweating.
Medications such as diuretics may also cause dehydration. Drink more water by using a portable water bottle. Use an alarm or timer to remind you to take a sip.
You May Like: Shaking Low Blood Pressure
Causes Of Sudden High Blood Pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of out every three American adults suffers from diagnosed high blood pressure with only one half keeping their pressure under control. Sudden high blood pressure usually occurs to a small percentage of people with high blood pressure. This can include young adults, including a high number of African-American men, and those experiencing:
- Collagen vascular disorders
- Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
Sudden high blood pressure can also be brought on by daily activities and practices.
- Medication use such as over-the-counter pain relievers, a combination of various medications, and abuse of cocaine and marijuana can spike blood pressure levels.
- Smoking can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure as the chemicals, including nicotine, damage the linings of our blood vessels.
- Diet habits are critical to maintaining normal blood pressure levels as the bad fat and sodium found in many foods increase the blood solute content. It also can build up and block the blood vessels, leading to major heart trouble such as a stroke.
- Stress is part of our everyday life and becoming anxious about your worries can increase risk for spikes in blood pressure twofold.
- Medical conditions like kidney disease, spinal injuries, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid issues, and scleroderma can raise blood pressure rapidly.
Risks Of Low Blood Pressure
Patients can experience dizziness, fainting, and falls, a dangerous complication for older adults.
In serious cases, severe drops in blood pressure can decrease the blood flow to the heart and brain so much that they damage the organs ability to function.
Severe hypotension has been linked to stroke, shock, and cardiovascular issues.
Also Check: Does Claritin Lower Blood Pressure
Known As Orthostatic Hypotension This Condition Can Leave People Dizzy And Lightheaded For Some It May Also Be A Harbinger Of Heart Disease
Have you ever felt a bit woozy just after standing up? When you transition from sitting to standing, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs. Sometimes especially if you’re dehydrated or overheated it takes your body a moment to push blood upward, causing a brief delay in blood flow to the brain.
For most people, this phenomenon occurs just once in a while and usually isn’t a serious problem. But age, some medications, and certain medical conditions can interfere with the body’s normal mechanism for regulating blood pressure . If that happens, your blood pressure may drop dramatically when you stand up. Known as orthostatic hypotension , the problem affects about 5% of people younger than 50. But up to 20% of people ages 70 and older may have OH.
Several diseases, including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer, can contribute to the problem, which is also known as postural hypotension. Now, new research adds to the suspected connection between OH and cardiovascular disease.
Who Is Affected By Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in older people who are frail or bedridden. Pregnant women and older adults are more likely to have orthostatic hypotension. Children and young adults are most likely to experience neurally mediated hypotension, but they often outgrow it.
Hypotension commonly affects people who:
- Are taking certain medications that cause low blood pressure.
- Have hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies.
- Also have heart problems or liver disease.
Don’t Miss: Reversing Pulmonary Hypertension
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.
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
Recommended Reading: What Causes Change In Blood Pressure
Does Blood Pressure Drop When You Are Asleep
Blood pressure is normally lower at night while youre sleeping. Your blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before you wake up. Your blood pressure continues to rise during the day, usually peaking in the middle of the afternoon. Then in the late afternoon and evening, your blood pressure begins dropping again.