Blood Pressure 160 Over 80

What Can Cause A Short

It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.

A low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid.

What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and feel quite well. This is why its important to see your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

A few people with very high blood pressure may experience headache, dizziness or the sudden effects of diseases of the arteries such as chest pain or stroke.

Check your symptoms with healthdirects online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

Who Is Affected By High Blood Pressure

Approximately 1 in 3, more than 100 million, American adults have high blood pressure. But only half of those people have their condition under control. Many people develop high blood pressure when they are in their late 30s or early 40s, and it occurs more frequently as people age. However, because of the obesity epidemic, more and more children are also developing high blood pressure.

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What Is Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic blood pressure measures how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls. The pressure within our arteries changes with every heartbeat, says Ian Del Conde Pozzi, M.D., a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. When the heart contracts, it pumps extra blood into the circulatory system, increasing the pressure. That increase is measured by systolic blood pressure.

Hypertensive Crisis: When You Should Call 911 For High Blood Pressure

A hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure rises quickly and severely with readings of 180/120 or greater.

The consequences of uncontrolled blood pressure in this range can be severe and include:

• Pulmonary edema

An elevated reading may or may not be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Severe anxiety

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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.

When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

A hypertensive crisisdefined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hgrequires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you are also experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, weakness, or numbness.

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What To Do If Your Blood Pressure Reading Is 130/80

A blood pressure reading of 130/80 could be interpreted as warning sign since its on the high side of normal.

People with pre-hypertension often develop hypertension, so having your blood pressure checked regularly is important.

As an aside, home blood pressure monitors are amazingly affordable and great way to stay on top of your blood pressure. So invest in your health and check out .

Already on blood pressure medicine? If so, this level of blood pressure may be considered adequate, especially if your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 130.

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.

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Tips For Taking Blood Pressure Medication

Untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems. If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, remember:

• If you take blood pressure medication and your blood pressure goes down, it means medication and lifestyle changes are working. If another doctor asks if you have high blood pressure, the answer is, “Yes, but it is being treated.”
• Healthy lifestyle changes may help lower the dosage you need.
• Get up slowly from a seated or lying position and stand for a bit before walking. This lets your blood pressure adjust before walking to prevent lightheadedness and falls.
• Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. Don’t forget to mention over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and supplements. They may affect your blood pressure. They also can change how well your blood pressure medication works.
• Blood pressure medication should be taken at the same time each day as part of your daily routine. For example, take it in the morning with breakfast or in the evening before brushing your teeth. If you miss a dose, do not double the dose the next day.
• Remember to refill your medication before you run out and bring it with you when traveling. Its important to keep taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• Before having surgery, ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure medication on the day of your operation.

Medications With Blood Pressure Of 160/80

Medications can have a big impact on your blood pressure. There are a variety of different types of blood pressure medications available. Following is a short list of each type of medication and what they do to reduce blood pressure.

• DiureticsHelps rid the body of sodium , which helps control blood pressure.
• Beta-blockersHelps reduce your heart rate, which helps lower blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitorsACE stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. Helps the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and lowers blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockersHelps block the chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow, which helps blood vessels stay open and lowers blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockersHelps lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering smooth muscle cells, which can cause stronger heart contraction and narrow blood vessels.
• Alpha blockersHelps relax certain muscles, which keeps blood vessels open and lowers blood pressure.
• Alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsHelps lower blood pressure by inhibiting sympathetic activity.
• Central agonistsUsing a different nerve path than Alpha and Beta blockers, Central agonists help relax blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
• VasodilatorsHelps dilate the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor about changing or adjusting the dosage of medications to help bring your blood pressure readings down.

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Target Your High Blood Pressure

Once you have been diagnosed with hypertension, remember that high blood pressure can be lowered. For most people, blood pressure readings should be lower than 140/90 mmHg when measured in the doctors office. At home, your blood pressure should generally be below 135/85 mmHg. For those people with diabetes or kidney disease, lower blood pressure is even more important and should be below 130/80 mmHg when measured in the doctors office.

Most people who lead healthy lifestyles do not suffer from high blood pressure. For those with hypertension, following the steps outlined above will lower their blood pressure.

How Is It Diagnosed

Because it is such a common problem, blood pressure is checked at most healthcare visits. High blood pressure is usually discovered during one of these visits. If your blood pressure is high, you will be asked to return for follow-up checks. If repeated checks of your blood pressure show that it is higher than 140/90, you have hypertension.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your life situation, what you eat and drink, and if high blood pressure runs in your family. You may have urine and blood tests. Your provider may order a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram . You may be asked to use a portable blood-pressure measuring device, which will take your pressure at different times during day and night. All of this testing is done to look for a possible cause of your high blood pressure.

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What Is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. When a health care professional measures your blood pressure, they use a blood pressure cuff around your arm that gradually tightens. The results are given in two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.

A blood pressure reading is given as the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number. Blood pressure levels are classified based on those two numbers.

• Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is systolic blood pressure lower than 90 or diastolic blood pressure lower than 60. If you have low blood pressure, you may feel lightheaded, weak, dizzy, or even faint. It can be caused by not getting enough fluids, blood loss, some medical conditions, or medications, including those prescribed for high blood pressure.
• Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.
• Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 with a diastolic pressure of less than 80.
• High blood pressure is defined as 130 or higher for the first number, or 80 or higher for the second number.

What Causes High Blood Pressure

The cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is often unknown. It develops over time and often happens as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Occasionally, some people have hypertension caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors or thyroid disorders, says Dr. Wong. Other conditions like pregnancy, diabetes and obesity can also increase your risk.

Some people are susceptible to high blood pressure from certain medications, such as birth control pills, some decongestants and even some over-the-counter pain relievers, says Wong. Illicit drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines may also raise blood pressure.

High blood pressure is extremely common. A 2017 to 2018 survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics found 45.5% of U.S. adults have hypertensionOstchega Y, et al. Hypertension prevalence among adults aged 18 and over: United States, 2017-2018. National Center for Health Statistics. Accessed 7/16/2021. .

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What Is Blood Pressure And Why Is This Important

Blood is pumped through our bloodstream by the heart. This creates pressure on the vessel walls. If the arteries are elastic, this pressure can be cushioned well.

With age, the elasticity of the blood vessels decreases. Their ability to expand is reduced and your blood pressure will rise. This can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can even lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Foods That Fight Hypertension

Yes, a baked potato is good for your blood pressure Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images

Many of the foods you already enjoy blueberries, cereal, baked potatoes can help lower your blood pressure.

• 6 fabulous foods that fight high blood pressure. Read

In someone with a wide pulse pressure, getting systolic pressure down without driving diastolic pressure too low can become a real balancing act.

“Let’s say a patient has 160/60,” says Dr. Howard S. Weintraub, associate professor of medicine and director of the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at New York University Langone Medical Center. “You can’t go any further in those individuals or you may see unwanted consequences of low diastolic blood pressure.”

Doctors also have to be cautious about treating people who are hypertensive but have transient low blood pressure when they stand. Bringing overall blood pressure down may increase the danger of falls. Despite the challenges of treating hypertension in older patients, researchers emphasize the importance of controlling high blood pressure.

“If you can take someone with a systolic blood pressure of 180 and get it down to 150, you knock the tar out of the stroke rate,” says Izzo. And especially as people get older, a stroke can prove much more calamitous than heart disease.

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Beta blockers also tend to worsen wide pulse pressure.

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Blood Pressure Reading Of 160/60 Should He Be Concerned

Asked by fly fifer

Blood Pressure Reading Of 160/60 Should He Be Concerned?

The last two readings of my husband’s blood pressure are 160/60 and I wonder if we should be concerned about this. His pulse rate is also very low which is normal for him.

He is 63yrs of age and relatively fit. Should we be concerned about it.? Some ten years ago he was found to be very hypertensive but was controlled through medication but seems over the years it is getting lower and lower.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Regards,

Yes, I recommend consulting his physician to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

The Joint National Committee defines four blood pressure categories.

Very High Range – Stage 2 HypertensionSystolic blood pressure 160 mm Hg or highDiastolic blood pressure 100 mm Hg or higherIf in this range you have hypertension .

High Range – Stage 1 HypertensionSystolic blood pressure 140 – 159 mm HgDiastolic blood pressure 90 – 99 mm HgIf in this range you have hypertension .

Caution Range – PrehypertensionSystolic blood pressure 120 – 139 mm HgDiastolic blood pressure 80 – 89 mm HgTake action!

Systolic blood pressure below 120 mm HgDiastolic blood pressure below 80 mm HgPerfect!

A systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg falls within Stage 2 Hypertension even though the diastolic blood pressure is within normal.

All the best,

What Are The Symptoms

One of the sneaky things about high blood pressure is that you can have it for a long time without symptoms. That’s why it is important for you have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

If you do have symptoms, they may be:

Although it happens rarely, the first symptom may be a stroke.

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When To Call Your Doctor

The risks of both high and low blood pressure make monitoring your blood pressure at home essential to your overall health and well-being. Both Dr. Wong and Dr. Desai recommend calling your healthcare provider if your self-monitored blood pressure readings are greater than 180/120 mmHgeven if you have no other symptoms.

You should call 911 if these blood pressure readings are associated with symptoms of organ damage, such as headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, chest pain or shortness of breath, says Dr. Wong.

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More Information About A Blood Pressure Reading Of 160/80

A blood pressure reading of 160/80 is pronounced “160 over 80.” You may also see it written colloquially as 160/80 bp.

In a blood pressure reading of 160/80, 160 is called the systolic number and 80 is called the diastolic number. Systolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries, and diastolic refers to the part of the cardiac cycle in which the heart relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. You may also hear the systolic and diastolic numbers referred to as the top number and the bottom number.

Systolic and diastolic readings are measured in mmHg, which is a unit of pressure equal to the pressure that can support a column of mercury 1 millimeter high. Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury. For a blood pressure reading of 160/80, you would pronounce it “160 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

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Heart Rate Vs Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force that moves blood through your blood vessels while your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. They are both important health indicators, but they are measured independently and dont necessarily increase or decrease synchronously.

A temporary increase in heart rate, such as during exercise, is not considered problematic. In fact, your heart is expected to rise during a bout of activity and return to its resting rate afterward. And the more intense you work, the more you should expect your heart rate to rise during exercise. Your heart rate can safely double during activity so long as it returns to its resting rate relatively soon after you finish your workout.

Significant increases in blood pressure, on the other hand, are not normal and should be monitored and shared with your health care provider.

What Are Some Healthy Lifestyle Changes To Improve Low Blood Pressure Long

Controlling low blood pressure naturally can sometimes be challenging, but equally doable with the right self-intervention measures. Numerous studies say regular exercise can have positive effects on cardiovascular health, which in turn can balance low blood pressure. However, individuals should avoid exercising in extreme heat and outdoors, especially during the summer months. Researchers also advise against prolonged rest and spending long hours in the steam room, sauna, or hot tub. Also, compression socks can improve blood flow throughout the body and boost blood pressure levels.

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