Chances are whenever you go see your primary care physician you get your blood pressure checked as part of your vitals. That is a standard test given along with temperature. It shows the doctor how much force the walls of your blood vessels are using to circulate blood. It is always given in two numbers; XX over XX. The top number is called systolic pressure reading and it is the pressure when the heart is beating, the bottom number is called diastolic pressure reading and it is when the heart is resting or relaxing. Combined these two numbers give you the typical blood pressure reading.
Blood Pressure Ranges
Blood pressure can be in various stages, there are those with low blood pressure, those with normal pressure, and those with high blood pressure. HBP or high blood pressure is a sign of heart disease. Blood pressure will show the pressure in the arteries. High blood pressure is called hypertension, while low blood pressure is called hypotension.
- Stage 1 high blood pressure – 140/90 mm/Hg
- Stage 2 high blood pressure – 160/100 mm/Hg
- Stage 3 high blood pressure – 180/110 mm/Hg
- Stage 4 high blood pressure – 210/120 mm/Hg
- Low normal blood pressure – 110/75 mm/Hg
- Normal blood pressure – 120/80 mm/Hg
- High normal blood pressure – 130/85 mm/Hg
- Extreme low blood pressure – 50/33 mm/Hg
- Low blood pressure – 60/40 mm/Hg
- Borderline low blood pressure – 90/60 mm/Hg
Taking accurate blood pressure readings is crucial. There are some home blood pressure kits now available and many can take their own readings. How to read blood pressure is vital to know what is right and what is dangerously off the norm.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
While low blood pressure is just as dangerous as high blood pressure, the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are good indicators of heart disease and stroke risk factors. These are some of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Bloody noses
- Pounding in the ears
Blood pressure should be checked each and every time you visit your doctor or healthcare provider. If it is elevated they may decide to run additional tests or monitor you to see if you have hypertension. While there are things that can temporarily raise blood pressure, too many readings in the high range can signal trouble in the patient. For those using medication to lower their pressure readings, home monitors can be purchased to keep track of it.
