Understand Your Blood Pressure Ranges: Normal or High?

Hypertension or high blood pressure; 

Over a billion people worldwide have hypertension or high blood pressure. That means it's pretty common to start by defining it. Typically, it's represented by two numbers.

110mmHg/70mmHg

 

The top number is the systolic blood pressure, the arterial pressure when the heart contracts. The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure, which is the arterial pressure when the heart is relaxing or refilling. Most of the time, blood pressure is taken in the brachial artery in your upper arm because it is high there. It's high throughout all of the arteries. The guidelines for categorizing blood pressure have recently changed to reflect a growing body of evidence that shows even moderately high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Normal Systolic Blood Pressure;

 

It is defined as less than 120 millimeters of mercury, and normal diastolic pressure is less than 80 millimeters. Elevated systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129 millimeters of mercury and less than 80 millimetres on the diastolic side.

 

Stage 1 Hypertension 

 

Between 130 and 139 millimeters of mercury on the systolic side and between 80 and 89 millimeters on the diastolic side.

 

Stage 2 Hypertension

 

It is defined as anything that's 140 millimeters of mercury or higher on the systolic side and 90 millimeters higher on the diastolic side.

Sometimes you can have systolic or diastolic hypertension when one number is typical, and the other is high. This is referred to as isolated systolic or diastolic hypertension. Typically, systolic and diastolic pressures tend to rise or fall together, but that's not always the case.

 

High Blood Pressure;

 

It is a severe problem for the blood vessels because it causes wear and tear on the endothelial cells that line the blood vessel inside, like a garden hose always under higher pressure. In the long term, blood vessels can develop tiny cracks and tears, leading to severe problems like myocardial infarction, aneurysms, and strokes.

 

Types of Hypertension 

 

Primary Hypertension 

About 90 percent of the time, hypertension happens without an identifiable underlying reason, and we call this primary hypertension or essential hypertension. In other words, over time, pressure in the artery starts to creep up silently. We've identified many risk factors for primary hypertension, including old age, obesity, salt-heavy diets, and sedentary lifestyles. These can be improved with lifestyle changes, which can help reduce hypertension, except for periods.

 

Secondary Hypertension
 

About 10 percent of the time, though, there is a specific, identifiable underlying condition that's the cause of hypertension, which we call secondary hypertension. For example, anything that limits the blood flow to the kidneys or the renal blood flow can cause hypertension, such as atherosclerosis, vasculitis, or aortic dissection. This is because the kidneys are essential for blood pressure regulation. When insufficient blood flows to the kidney, it secretes the hormone renin, which helps the kidneys retain more water. That water contributes to more blood in the arteries, making them more full, and leading to higher pressures.

 

Other diseases can also cause secondary hypertension. Fibromuscular dysplasia, which affects young women, can cause the walls of the large and medium-sized arteries to thicken if it involves the renal artery and limits blood flow to the kidneys, triggering more renin. Another example is a tumor that produces excess aldosterone, and just like renin, this leads to fluid retention. 

 

 

Hypertensive Crisis

 

If the blood pressure gets high fast, it's referred to as a "hypertensive crisis." It involves a systolic pressure greater than 180 millimeters of mercury, or diastolic pressure greater than 120 millimeters of hypertensive mercury crisis can be further split into hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency. In a hypertensive crisis, there is evidence of harm to organs. End organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, and lungs have not yet been damaged due to hypertensive urgency.

 

Symptoms 

 

 Usually, primary hypertension isn't accompanied by symptoms, which is why it's sometimes referred to as a "silent killer." Secondary hypertension might involve a variety of symptoms associated with the underlying cause, and finally, the hypertensive emergency might include symptoms like 

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Chest pain
• and breathlessness 

 

Treatment 

 

The first choice for the treatment of hypertension is lifestyle changes, like changes to diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. In addition, some antihypertensive medications might also be given in some cases.

 

FAQs

What is blood pressure? 

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

What is considered a normal blood pressure range? 

A normal blood pressure reading is usually below 120/80 mmHg. However, ideal blood pressure may vary depending on age, sex, and overall health.

What is considered high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or higher. However, your doctor may diagnose you with high blood pressure based on several readings taken at different times.

What are the risks of having high blood pressure? 

High blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It can also damage blood vessels, leading to vision loss, erectile dysfunction, and other complications.

Can lifestyle changes lower high blood pressure?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can help lower high blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage your blood pressure.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked? 

It is recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year or more frequently if you have a history of high blood pressure or other risk factors.

Can I check my blood pressure at home? 

Yes, you can purchase a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and have your device checked for accuracy by your doctor.

What should I do if my blood pressure is consistently high?

If your blood pressure always measures 130/80 mmHg or higher, you should talk to your doctor about the best action. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both to manage your blood pressure.