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Increased blood pressure may be categorized as elevated, stage 1 or stage 2 depending on the specific numbers. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually based on the average of two or more readings taken on separate visits. The first time your blood pressure is checked, it should be measured in both arms to see if there is a difference.
High blood pressure is a common condition that affects the body's arteries. It's also called hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up after sitting or lying down. Causes include dehydration, long-term bed rest, pregnancy, certain medical conditions and some medicines. This type of low blood pressure is common in older adults. Postprandial hypotension. This drop in blood pressure occurs 1 to 2 hours after eating.
Blood pressure can vary from moment to moment and day to day. Results. Your healthcare professional can tell you your blood pressure results right away after the test. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.
Obesity makes you more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. Family history of high blood pressure. You're more likely to develop elevated blood pressure if you have a parent or sibling with the condition. Not being physically active. Not exercising can cause weight gain.
Low blood pressure without symptoms or with only mild symptoms rarely requires treatment. If low blood pressure causes symptoms, the treatment depends on the cause. For instance, if medicine causes low blood pressure, your healthcare professional may recommend changing or stopping the medicine. Or the dose of medicine might be lowered.
A hypertensive crisis is a sudden, severe increase in blood pressure. The blood pressure reading is 180/120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater. A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening health problems. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure ...
High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed if the blood pressure reading is equal to or greater than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually based on the average of two or more readings taken on separate occasions. Blood pressure is grouped according to how high it is. This is called staging.
For adults with high blood pressure, a target blood pressure under 130/80 mm Hg is recommended for those younger than 65. For those 65 and older, American Heart Association guidelines say the top blood pressure number also should be under 130 mm Hg. But the guidelines don't specify a goal for the bottom number.
Ask your health care provider what weight is best for you. In general, blood pressure drops by about 1 mm Hg with each kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of weight lost. In people with high blood pressure, the drop in blood pressure may be even more significant per kilogram of weight lost. Increase physical activity. Regular exercise keeps the body ...