For a 75-year-old, normal blood pressure is generally considered below 120/80 mmHg, but guidelines suggest a target of less than 130/80 mmHg, with some experts recommending treating to <120/80 mmHg if possible, especially if otherwise healthy. Blood pressure naturally tends to rise with age, so <120/80 mmHg remains the ideal, but readings up to 130/80 mmHg are often managed with lifestyle changes, while higher levels may require medication, though treatment goals can vary based on overall health.
Yes, extremely high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) can cause vomiting and sometimes diarrhea, often alongside severe headaches, confusion, dizziness, or vision changes, indicating damage to organs like the brain; while regular hypertension usually has no symptoms, these gastrointestinal issues signal a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Diarrhea can also stem from certain blood pressure medications or related electrolyte imbalances like high potassium (hyperkalemia), but severe vomiting with high BP needs urgent attention.
"Stroke level" blood pressure is a hypertensive crisis, defined as a reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate help (call 911 or emergency services) as it significantly increases the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening conditions, especially if accompanied by symptoms like severe headache, shortness of breath, or vision changes.
Yes, drinking enough water helps control blood pressure, especially if you're dehydrated, as it improves kidney function, thins the blood, and helps flush out excess sodium, but it's not a cure for chronic hypertension; adequate hydration (around 6-8 glasses daily) supports healthy blood flow, while severe dehydration can cause blood pressure fluctuations (high or low).
At the beginning, measure your blood pressure at least twice daily. Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medicine. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same.
Some drinks can help lower your blood pressure, including:
Other signs and symptoms may include:
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is Stage 2 hypertension, which needs medical attention and lifestyle changes, but usually not an immediate hospital trip unless you have severe symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or signs of stroke, in which case you should call for emergency help (like 911/000) immediately. For a single reading, it's best to recheck after relaxing and then contact your doctor for advice and follow-up, as persistent readings above 140/90 warrant a check-up to prevent long-term damage.
Exercise regularly
Regular aerobic exercise can lower high blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg. It's important to keep exercising to keep blood pressure from rising again. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
6 Silent Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Experts think that sleep helps the body control hormones needed to control stress and metabolism. Over time, a lack of sleep could cause swings in hormones. Hormone changes can lead to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.
Alpha-blockers and Alpha-2 agonists are not recommended as first-choice treatment for high blood pressure. Beta-blockers can worsen asthma symptoms and other lung conditions. Vasodilators and loop diuretics present a risk of serious side effects.
(Finger or wrist monitors are not considered reliable.) The blood pressure cuff needs to fit well, since cuffs that are too small will give falsely elevated readings. "I have a patient who was getting very high readings that were different in both arms," Dr. Cannon says.
Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include: Numbness or tingling.
The body needs a small amount of sodium to work properly, but in excess it can increase a person's risk for developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. That is why it is important to understand where most salt intake comes from and how to lower it.
Proper timing: Blood pressure is often highest early in the morning – 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. – so choose another time to take it. Be consistent: Take your blood pressure at the same time of day. Discuss with your health care provider how often you should measure your blood pressure.
The highest pressure recorded in an individual was 370/360. With slow exhalation, the mean BP was 198/175 when the same 100% maximum was lifted (p < . 005).
High blood pressure can disrupt the blood flow to your optic nerve, eventually leading to nerve damage, which can cause permanent vision loss. Keeping your blood pressure in check is crucial to lowering your risk of glaucoma, especially if you have other risk factors.
Trouble speaking or understanding. Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination. Problems with movement or walking.
Even without obvious symptoms, silent strokes raise the risk of future strokes and can lead to cognitive decline or vascular dementia. Key warning signs include sudden mood changes, memory issues, balance problems, and cognitive difficulties — but only MRI or CT scans can confirm a silent stroke.
The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.
Key takeaways
Conversely, beverages with caffeine and high sugar levels, like soda and energy drinks, may raise blood pressure. People with hypertension should limit them. Other lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, and stress management, may help maintain healthy blood pressure.
The European Society of Cardiology²¹ recommends that people lay down and take naps during midday to help lower their pressure levels. Additionally, the American College of Cardiology claims that the average systolic blood pressure drops by about 3 mm Hg²² for each hour one lays down for a nap.