What is considered high blood pressure can be difficult to define. The new guidelines for diagnosing hypertension have lowered the threshold. Previously, a person’s blood pressure should be above 140/90 mm Hg for those under 65, and above 150/80 mm Hg for those 65 and older. However, some people do not meet this level, resulting in a doctor’s diagnosis of hypertension.
The pressure inside blood vessels is measured with two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure is the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure is the force in the artery when the heart is at rest or filled with blood. If your reading is higher than 140/90, you have high blood-pressure. If your reading is below 120/80, you may have pre-hypertension.
Blood pressure is measured using a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. Your healthcare provider can do this for you, but it is also possible to take your own readings at home. Most pharmacies sell electronic blood-pressure monitors. The systolic number measures the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure measures the amount of force inside the artery when the heart is at rest.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, you should see your healthcare provider immediately. A reading of 180/110 or higher is a warning sign of an emergency situation. Your health provider will also check for any symptoms you experience. For example, chest pain, dizziness, and back or abdominal pain may be warning signs of high blood pressure. If these symptoms persist, your healthcare provider should call you for further testing. This way, you can determine if you need more treatment for your high blood pressure.
The ranges for high blood pressure are different for different people. Children and teenagers may have a lower or higher range than adults. For those with high blood pressure, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. For more information, consult your healthcare provider. In addition, you should consider the cause of your high blood pressure. You may need to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of heart disease. If your doctor finds that your blood pressure is too low, consider taking a medication.
Fortunately, there is no cure for high blood pressure. While it can lead to other serious health problems, high blood pressure should not be ignored. It can lead to a stroke, which is a life-threatening condition. If you are not careful, you can cause irreparable damage to your brain. In some cases, it can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. The sooner you start treating your high blood pressure, the better.