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When to see a doctor. If you have symptoms of extreme low blood pressure or shock, call 911 or your local emergency number. Most healthcare professionals consider blood pressure to be too low only if it causes symptoms. Minor dizzy or lightheaded feelings from time to time can be caused by many things.
To find out if you have low blood pressure, also called hypotension, your healthcare professional gives you a physical exam. You're also asked questions about your medical history. The exam includes checking your blood pressure. You also can measure your blood pressure at home.
Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal. 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.
That can increase systolic blood pressure and cause discordantly low diastolic blood pressure. In some cases, however, stiff arteries could be a symptom of vascular disease. When your diastolic blood pressure is consistently below normal, it may need to be evaluated.
Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems.
In general, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower is ideal. Isolated systolic hypertension happens when the top blood pressure number is 130 mm Hg or higher and the bottom number is less than 80 mm Hg. Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure, especially in older age.
By making these 10 lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. By Mayo Clinic Staff. If you have high blood pressure, you may wonder if you need to take medicine to treat it. But lifestyle changes play a vital role in treating high blood pressure.
Learn the signs and symptoms you experience with low blood sugar. This can help you identify and treat hypoglycemia before it gets too low. Frequently checking your blood sugar level lets you know when your blood sugar is getting low. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a good option for some people.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise pressure on the walls of blood vessels to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting raises blood pressure for a short time. Binge drinking over and over can cause long-term rises in blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure is blood pressure that is slightly higher than what is considered ideal. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories.