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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).
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.
Don't talk while taking your blood pressure. Make sure your arm is positioned correctly. Always use the same arm when taking your blood pressure. Rest your arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table, desk or chair arm. You might need to place a pillow or cushion under your arm to raise it high enough.
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 readings can be taken with the help of a machine. This is called an automated measurement. When a machine isn't used, it is called a manual measurement. For a manual blood pressure measurement, the care professional places a device called a stethoscope over the major artery in the upper arm.
Behaviors linked to higher blood pressure include: Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine. Eating unhealthy foods. Eating too much. Not moving enough. Heart disease also might be linked to certain health conditions related to stress, such as: Anxiety. Depression. Being cut off from friends and family.
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 ...
Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D. Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn't a concern. But a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) might cause worry. The difference can be in the top number, known as systolic pressure. Or it can be in the bottom number, known as diastolic pressure.
Some wrist blood pressure monitors may be accurate if used exactly as directed and checked against measurements taken in a medical office. For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. Some people with very large arms may ...
Anything that increases pressure on the artery walls can lead to elevated blood pressure. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (atherosclerosis) can cause elevated blood pressure. But the opposite is also true. High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause atherosclerosis.