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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.
A drop of 20 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) in the top number (systolic blood pressure) within 2 to 5 minutes of standing is a sign of orthostatic hypotension. A drop of 10 mm Hg in the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) within 2 to 5 minutes of standing also indicates orthostatic hypotension. Blood tests.
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is considered “low” for the diastolic number in a blood pressure reading? What would a low reading mean? If the systolic number is within normal range, what can be done to alter the diastolic number? ANSWER: A blood pressure reading has two numbers, given in millimeters of mercury. The first, or upper, number measures ...
Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. If your top and bottom numbers fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/85 mm Hg, you have stage 1 hypertension.
Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting. Orthostatic hypotension can be mild. Episodes might be brief.
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.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. Top number, called systolic pressure. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.
The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher. 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.
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a sustained drop in blood pressure by at least 20 millimeters of mercury in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) within three minutes of standing up.