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This is considered a healthy pulse pressure. Generally, a pulse pressure greater than 40 mm Hg is unhealthy. Checking your pulse pressure may help your care team predict your risk of heart and blood vessel events, such as heart attacks and strokes. A pulse pressure greater than 60 is a risk factor for heart disease, especially for older adults.
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).
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.
A type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. This can cause the person to fall to the ground within seconds, also called collapse. Soon the person's breathing and pulse will stop. Ventricular fibrillation is an emergency that needs immediate medical help.
During ventricular fibrillation, blood pressure drops dramatically. The person's breathing and pulse stop because the heart is not pumping any blood to the body. This also is called cardiac arrest. The person usually falls down, also called collapses. If this happens, do the following: Call 911 or the emergency number in your area. Start CPR.
The top number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The bottom number is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The American Heart Association classifies healthy blood pressure as normal. Normal blood pressure usually is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed if the blood pressure reading is equal to or greater than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Chest pressure or pain. Dizziness or fainting spells. Fast pulse or pounding heartbeat. Fatigue. Swelling in the ankles, legs and belly area. Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of pulmonary hypertension. But it may be caused by other health conditions such as asthma. See a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as prescribed to manage high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Don't smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your health care provider about strategies or programs to help. If you drink, do so in moderation.
Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen (dilate). This allows blood to pool in your legs, which lowers your blood pressure. Combined, the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduce blood flow to your brain, and you faint. Sometimes there is no classical vasovagal syncope trigger, but common triggers include: