Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.
High systolic reading: Increases the risk of heart disease. Systolic blood pressure is linked to heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and overall mortality. High diastolic reading: Increases the risk of aortic disease. The aorta carries blood and oxygen from the heart to the abdomen and chest.
What would you define as “too low,” and why is that a problem? A diastolic blood pressure of somewhere between 90 and 60 is good in older folks. Once you start getting below 60, that makes people feel uncomfortable. A lot of older folks with low diastolic pressures get tired or dizzy and have frequent falls.
Recent findings: Generally, in studies in which readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been compared, systolic blood pressure has been a better predictor of risk.
Studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic blood pressures compared to elevated diastolic (bottom number) pressures, especially in people over age 50.
Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.
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.
And does dehydration cause high blood pressure? Drinking water can help normalize your blood pressure but doesn't necessarily lower your blood pressure unless you are dehydrated. Because your blood is made up of 90% water, the overall volume will decrease when you are dehydrated.
Most studies show a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (especially strokes) related to high systolic pressure as opposed to elevated diastolic pressure.
The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. Hypertension is divided into two stages of severity: Stage 1 hypertension – 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. Stage 2 hypertension – 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic.
Elevated blood pressure is systolic of 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1 high blood pressure is when systolic is 130 to 139 or diastolic is 80 to 89. Stage 2 high blood pressure is when systolic is 140 or higher or diastolic is 90 or higher.
Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading. IDH occurs if someone has elevated diastolic blood pressure, increasing a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking, consuming alcohol, obesity, and high blood fat may lead to IDH.
However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures. That's especially true in people ages 50 and older, which is why doctors tend to monitor the top number more closely.
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to lower blood pressure without medical intervention. The best way to lower blood pressure is with long-term behavioral changes—like reducing stress, getting better sleep, exercising, and eating a low-sodium diet—but this takes time. Certain medications can also help.
The diastolic pressure of an adult should typically be 60–80mm Hg, and if the number goes above this, it's considered hypertension. However, if your blood pressure goes over 180/120mm Hg, this is dangerous, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Blood Pressure Chart for Seniors
Whereas the recommended threshold used to be up to 150/80 mm Hg for those ages 65 and older, the new guideline decreases this healthy range to less than 120/80.
Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated their guidance to indicate that people age 65 and older should ideally have a blood pressure reading lower than 130/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The first number (systolic) measures artery pressure when the heart is pumping.
But you might not know that a banana a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. This fruit is packed full of potassium — an important blood pressure-lowering mineral. Potassium helps balance sodium in the body.
Masturbation releases hormones and neurotransmitters to help reduce stress and blood pressure while promoting relaxation, which may make it easier to fall asleep.
Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
The potassium found in lemon juice can also help diminish the effects of salt on blood pressure. Studies have shown that, when combined with daily walks, lemon intake can be an effective treatment for high blood pressure.
Aspirin does not lower blood pressure on its own. However, its ability to thin out the blood may benefit some people with high blood pressure (hypertension ). High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. For years, a low dose of daily aspirin has been considered a safe and healthy way to prevent it.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.
The Hypertension Danger Zone
If your systolic is over 180 or your diastolic is above over 120, you may be having a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage.