If You Now Have High Blood Pressure You May Not Need Meds Yet
The guidelines also outline very clearly when a diet-and-lifestyle approach is the recommended, first-line treatment, and when medications are simply just what you have to do. Thankfully, the decision is largely based on facts and statistics. For the elevated blood pressure category, medications are actually not recommended rather, a long list of evidence-based, non-drug interventions are. What are these interventions? Things that really work: a diet high in fruits and vegetables decreased salt and bad fats more activity weight loss if one is overweight or obese and no more than two alcoholic drinks per day for men, and one for women. Simply changing what you eat can bring down systolic blood pressure by as much as 11 points, and each additional healthy habit you adopt can bring it down another four to five points.
For people with stage 1 hypertension who dont have cardiovascular disease and are at low risk for developing it , lifestyle changes are still the way to go.
However, if a patient has any kind of cardiovascular disease and stage 1 hypertension , or no existing cardiovascular disease but a significant risk of developing it , then lifestyle changes plus medications are recommended. And, even if someone has less than a 10% risk, if their blood pressure is over 140 systolic or 90 diastolic, which is now stage 2 high blood pressure, they ought to be treated with medication as well.
Hypertension Symptoms And Risks
Risks associated with high blood pressure can become life-threatening if not adequately monitored or addressed .
Most people with high blood pressure, particularly prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, dont experience any symptoms. Even at stage 2, hypertension may not cause any noticeable effects. Those who do experience symptoms may notice:
- Shortness of breath
However, even in the absence of symptoms, the elevated blood pressure is still damaging your blood vessels and heart and can cause serious health complications. Some of the most common include:
- Vascular dementia
- Peripheral artery disease
For these reasons, regular check-ups along with at-home blood pressure monitoring are necessary to stop progression or reverse some of the damage done.
Blood Pressure Checks During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, even if it is not high.
Watching your blood pressure while you are pregnant reduces your risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension. This can lead to a serious condition called pre-eclampsia where there is a problem with the placenta .
You May Like: How Much Do You Donate Blood
Normal Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
While a rising heart rate will increase blood flow through the body, it does not necessarily correspond with an increase in the pressure of that blood flow. This is because blood vessels can increase in size to facilitate larger quantities of blood. Even if your heart rate were to double, your normal blood pressure & high pulse may only slightly increase blood pressure.
Average Blood Pressure By Age
As you get older, your blood vessels tend to become stiffer and plaque can build up in them, which can raise your blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high, you’re at a greater risk for heart disease, strokes, and more.
In 2015, the average blood pressure worldwide was 127/79 mm Hg in men, and 122/77 mm Hg in women, according to a study analysis published in Lancet.
When researchers for the National Center for Health Statistics looked at average blood pressure in U.S. adults between 2001 and 2008, the average reading was 122/71 mm Hg. The breakout was 124/72 mm Hg for men, and 121/70 mm Hg in women. It rose by age and was significantly higher in Black people.
The researchers found the following breakdown by age, sex, and race or ethnicity:
| Blood Pressure by Age |
|---|
As the population ages and life expectancy increases, high blood pressure is becoming more common.
Read Also: Cast Of True Blood Season 1
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.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure
A normal blood pressure reading indicates that the heart and blood vessels are not working too hard pushing blood and that the blood is not exerting too much pressure on the walls of the vessels, says Aseem Desai, M.D., a cardiologist at Providence Mission Hospital in Southern California. Recent data from the American Heart Association suggests the optimal normal reading for adults over 20 is lower than 120/80 mmHgVirani S, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics – 2021 update . American Heart Association Journal. 2021 143:e254-e743. .
Dr. Desai notes blood pressure can vary depending on a persons age, gender, race and ethnicity, but it should still fall within the general normal range. While numbers lower than 120/80 are generally considered normal, Dr. Desai adds, The target blood pressure for treatment varies depending on age and associated co-morbidities .
Also Check: Is 160 Blood Sugar High After Eating
Variations In Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure changes to meet your bodys needs. If a reading is high, your doctor may measure your blood pressure again on several separate occasions to confirm the level.
Your doctor may also recommend that you measure your blood pressure at home or have a 24-hour recording with a monitoring device.
Key Terms About Blood Pressure And Hypertension:
- Systolic blood pressure : the top number when BP is checked. This reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart squeezes. Its by far the most important number to consider when it comes to older adults.
- Diastolic blood pressure : the lower number when BP is checked. This reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes.
- Pulse: the heart rate. Automatic BP monitors report pulse along with BP. Doctors must evaluate a persons heart rate when considering a change in BP medication.
- Hypertension: Usually defined as BP> 140/90, assuming the readings are taken in a doctors office. If only the systolic BP is high, this is called isolated systolic hypertension. This type of hypertension is very common in older adults, as aging is associated with both increases in systolic BP and decreases in diastolic BP.
Recommended Reading: Ear Acupressure Points For High Blood Pressure
Height And Blood Pressure
Height isn’t a risk factor but taller people tend to have higher blood pressure because this offsets gravity and other factors to ensure the brain – the highest organ – gets enough blood flow and oxygen. However, the effect of height is minor, so its not taken into account in blood pressure range guidelines.
Enjoy Alcohol In Moderation
While weve all heard the health benefits of a glass of red wine now and then, too much alcohol increases blood pressure, contributes to weight gain, and can cause you to make poor food choices.
For better health, women of any age and men over 65 should enjoy no more than one drink a day, and men under 65 should have no more than two.
Read Also: What Happens If Blood Sugar Is Above 500
Buying A Blood Pressure Instrument To Measure Your Blood Pressure At Home
Blood pressure instruments can be purchased in most pharmacies. Buy a blood pressure instrument that has been approved by the Association for the Advancement in Medical Instrumentation , the British Hypertension Society or the International Protocol . These labels will be marked clearly on the box. If you are unsure whether an instrument is approved, ask your pharmacist for help. Once you have bought the instrument, ask your doctor or pharmacist to check it to make sure the instrument measures your blood pressure accurately.
Risks Of High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and help lower your blood pressure if it’s already high.
You May Like: Blood Clot After Venaseal Procedure
What Are The Treatments For High Blood Pressure
Treatments for high blood pressure include heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines.
You will work with your provider to come up with a treatment plan. It may include only the lifestyle changes. These changes, such as heart-healthy eating and exercise, can be very effective. But sometimes the changes do not control or lower your high blood pressure. Then you may need to take medicine. There are different types of blood pressure medicines. Some people need to take more than one type.
If your high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or medicine, treating that condition or stopping the medicine may lower your blood pressure.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Why Our Blood Is Pressurized
In many ways, our circulatory system works the same as the plumbing in our homes, except much more complicated. Just like water through pipes, blood flows through our arteries because of differences in pressure. It moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure all across the body.
However, conditions like high cholesterol that constrict or block arteries can cause this pressure to be unnaturally elevated. This is what causes dangerous conditions like heart attack and stroke.
Also Check: Apps For Blood Pressure Monitoring
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension, or pulmonary arterial hypertension, is high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood from your heart to your lungs to get oxygen to transport to the rest of the body. Normal blood pressure in this artery while you are at rest is 8 to 20 mm Hg. You have pulmonary hypertension if your measurement is at least 25 mm Hg while you are at rest, or at least 30 mm Hg while you are exercising.
Similar to primary hypertension, pulmonary hypertension can happen when the arteries tighten or become stiff, or if blood clots form in the area. It can be caused by genes or lifestyle. You are at higher risk if you use street drugs or live at a high altitude.
You May Like: Does Spicy Food Cause High Blood Pressure
Gender And Blood Pressure
According to the National Institute on Aging, males are more likely to have high blood pressure before age 55, while normal blood pressure for women tends to rise after menopause. Women are less likely than men to experience complications associated with high blood pressure.
However, regardless of differences in the prevalence and complications of high blood pressure between the sexes, treatment and diagnosis are the same for both men and women.
Don’t Miss: Average Blood Loss During Period
If Your Blood Pressure Is 160/100 And Have A Bad Headache Should You Go To The Emergency Room
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â itâs anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â itâs anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Similar questions
What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Of 160/82 Mean
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 diagnosed with hypertension? If so a blood pressure in this range indicates the need to adjust your blood pressure medications.
Blood pressure readings in this range put you at higher risk for life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke. Its important to your health to lower your blood pressure through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to chronic damage of arteries and organs. Untreated, this can result in enlargement of the heart, heart failure and kidney damage, which may require dialysis.
Unfortunately, many dont have any symptoms even with very high blood pressure. So it remains important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Read Also: Blood Tests For Cancer Detection
How Is Blood Pressure Measured
Blood pressure is defined as the amount of pressure that is exerted on the artery walls as blood moves through them. It is measured in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg.
A more detailed explanation is provided below.
Two measurements are used to measure blood pressure:
- Systolic pressure – the measure of blood pressure exerted when your heart beats and forces blood around your body.
- Diastolic pressure – the measure of blood pressure when your heart is resting in between beats.
Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are measured in millimetres of mercury .
The figures are usually represented with the systolic pressure first, followed by the diastolic pressure. Therefore, if your GP says that your blood pressure is ‘120 over 80’, or 120/80mmHg, they mean that you have a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.
What About Blood Pressure Thats Too Low
Low blood pressure is known as hypotension. In adults, a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or below is often considered hypotension.
Hypotension can be dangerous because blood pressure thats too low doesnt supply your body and heart with enough oxygenated blood.
Some potential causes of hypotension can include:
Recommended Reading: Does Vitamin B12 Increase White Blood Cells
How Common Is High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition, it is estimated that 18% of adult men and 13% of adult women have high blood pressure but are not getting treatment for it.
In 90-95% of cases, there is no single identifiable reason for a rise in blood pressure. But all available evidence shows that lifestyle plays a significant role in regulating your blood pressure.
Risk factors for high blood pressure include:
- being overweight
- excessive alcohol consumption.
Also, for reasons not fully understood, people of Afro-Caribbean and South Asian origin are more likely to develop high blood pressure than other ethnic groups.
Do You Have High Blood Pressure What The Guidelines Say
Your blood pressure is an important part of your overall health.
But what is it? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. If it is too high, it can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels, and can lead to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Your blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer that cuff that goes around your arm. The measurement then indicates a unit of pressure known as millimeters of mercury . It shows how hard your heart is working to pump blood.
Your blood pressure is written as two numbers. The top number, known as the systolic pressure, measures the force of the blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts to pump blood out. It is working its hardest at that point.
The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which shows the force of the blood when the heart is resting in between contractions. That number is lower.
Doctors use standard guidelines to determine if your blood pressure falls into a range known as normal. If it is too high and is consistently higher than the guidelines, it known as hypertension.
Read Also: How Much Can Stress Raise Blood Pressure
What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Of 160/100 Mean
Readings between 160/110 and 160/100 indicate Stage 2 Hypertension. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of greater or equal to 140 and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90. In other words, the force of the blood pressure in your arteries is higher than normal.
Already diagnosed with hypertension? If so a blood pressure in this range indicates the need to adjust your blood pressure medications.
Blood pressure readings in this range put you at higher risk for life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke. Its important to your health to lower your blood pressure through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to chronic damage of arteries and organs. Untreated, this can result in enlargement of the heart, heart failure and kidney damage, which may require dialysis.
Unfortunately, many dont have any symptoms even with very high blood pressure. So it remains important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
And Why Should This All Matter To You
Mountains of research over time have shown a very clear link between high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. A 20-point higher systolic blood pressure or a 10-point higher diastolic blood pressure is associated with double your risk of death from a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complication . What many people dont realize is that those who survive these events find their lives permanently altered by disability and medical complications.
Much is being made of the fact that the new definitions of high blood pressure will mean roughly half of all US citizens will be considered to have high blood pressure, but when you really look at the numbers, as cardiologists already have, not that many more people will actually be advised to take medications. Although the public has good reason to be suspicious of “big pharma,” thats not what this is about.
Diet and lifestyle changes are powerful medicine. Even if your blood pressure is normal now, you can help to prevent it from becoming elevated starting today. Eat more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and limit foods high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Be as physically active as possible.
There is a lot more in the very long, detailed executive summary, including specific guidance for various populations, myriad diseases, and special circumstances, but this is the gist of it. The document is free, and available here.
Don’t Miss: Normal Red Blood Cell Count Range