Risk factors for atherosclerosis may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity and eating saturated fats. Hypertension Stage II is marked by a systolic reading of at least and diastolic reading of at least Still, this stage of hypertension is more serious than the former and should be watched carefully. A hypertensive crisis is an emergency situation and occurs when the systolic blood pressure reading exceeds and the diastolic reading exceeds Gain portability without compromising accuracy.
Check your blood pressure anywhere, anytime with Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors. 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 CDC. Other conditions like pregnancy, diabetes and obesity can also increase your risk.
High blood pressure is extremely common. A to survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics found Hypertension prevalence among adults aged 18 and over: United States, National Center for Health Statistics. If you have severe hypertension, you might notice the below symptoms, some of which were reported by patients in a study in the British Journal of General Practice [5] Goodhart A.
British Journal of General Practice. He recommends:. There are many possible reasons for low blood pressure, according to both Dr. Wong and Dr. Desai, including:. Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the cause.
Low blood pressure may not be discussed as often as high blood pressure, but it should be addressed, as prolonged low blood pressure can negatively affect your organs. If the blood pressure is too low, an adequate blood supply cannot get to these organs. If left untreated, low blood pressure can increase your risk of fainting, heart attack and organ damage, adds Dr. 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. There are a number of simple lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure safely and effectively. Eating a balanced diet with less salt, exercising regularly, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake are all great ways to bring your blood pressure down to the normal range. Read on for more helpful suggestions on how to reduce blood pressure. Abnormally low blood pressure can be life-threatening because it indicates a lack of blood and oxygen reaching your vital organs.
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Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Carey RM, et al. Taler SJ. Initial treatment of hypertension. The New England Journal of Medicine. See also Medication-free hypertension control 6 surprising signs you may have obstructive sleep apnea After a flood, are food and medicines safe to use? Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure? Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise? Blood pressure cuff: Does size matter? Blood pressure: Does it have a daily pattern? Blood pressure: Is it affected by cold weather?
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A consistent rise in your blood pressure over time comes with an increased risk to your health. Your healthcare provider is likely to respond in these ways:. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Call if you are also experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, weakness, or numbness.
There are several different stages of high blood pressure. As blood pressure rises, the negative impact on your health increases, too. A healthcare provider can recommend treatment for each stage, starting with diet and lifestyle changes and leading to medication options. Blood pressure testing stations can be found in pharmacies, workplaces, and medical clinics. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor online or at your local pharmacy.
To measure blood pressure, a cuff attached to a monitor is placed on your arm. The cuff is then inflated with an air pump until its pressure stops blood flow from your brachial artery—the major artery found in your upper arm. As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure when blood starts flowing again systolic pressure. Once the cuff is completely deflated, the device gauges the lowest pressure between beats diastolic pressure.
Typically, more attention is given to the systolic pressure reading, as systolic blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over the age of Still, both readings are used to make a diagnosis. If you're taking your blood pressure at home, there are certain steps you can take to get the most accurate reading possible. The goal is to measure your blood pressure at its most stable. Hence, it's good practice to rest for five minutes in a calm environment before getting started.
The AHA also advises against smoking, exercising, or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Healthcare providers often keep one default cuff in the examining room, which is generally meant to be used for people of "average" height and weight. If you are larger or smaller than average, the default cuff will not produce an accurate reading, and a more appropriately sized cuff should be used.
Official guidelines specify the following cuff sizes:. Find someplace to sit where your body is well-supported in an upright position and your feet are flat on the ground.
Consider sitting at a dinner table, rather than a couch, and relaxing your arm on the tabletop. The cuffed part of your arm should be supported at the same level as your heart.
The bottom of the cuff should be placed just above the bend of your elbow and directly against your skin. Be sure to roll up your sleeves if you are wearing them, and remove any layers that are in the way. One blood pressure reading is not enough to get an accurate measurement. Things like temperature and stress can change blood pressure, so more than one reading allows you to correct for these variations.
More than one reading should be taken during healthcare provider's visits, too—ideally once at the beginning of your visit and once at the end.
If you're planning to take your blood pressure at home, it's important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep upper-arm monitor, but there are other options. When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:. If you need help selecting an at-home device, check out these blood pressure monitors , which were vetted by the Verywell team based on the above criteria.
Blood pressure increases with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help lower your risk of hypertension high blood pressure.
Seeing your healthcare provider for regular blood pressure checks and learning to check your own can help you stay healthy. If you are above normal, now is the time to connect with your healthcare provider. Follow their guidance to keep your blood pressure under control. Looking to start a diet to better manage your high blood pressure? Our nutrition guide can help. Heart disease and stroke statistics— update.
American Heart Association. What is high blood pressure?
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