Home Invites Members Groups Events Careers Videos News Photos Blogs Polls Singles Forums Chat
Home > Videos > Post Content

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings (1017 hits)


Understanding Blood Pressure Readings https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/hig...

BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) and/or DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number)

NORMAL LESS THAN 120 and LESS THAN 80

ELEVATED 120 – 129 and LESS THAN 80

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 130 – 139 or 80 – 89

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 140 OR HIGHER or 90 OR HIGHER

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120

Blood pressure categories

The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are:

Normal

Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Elevated

Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

Hypertension Stage 1


Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerot*c cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2

Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean
Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
Which number is more important?

Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure (the first number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age 40 to 89.

Why blood pressure is measured in mm Hg
The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges and is still used in medicine today as the standard unit of measurement for pressure.

Taking your pulse versus checking your blood pressure
While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) are two separate measurements. Learn more about the difference between blood pressure and heart rate.
Posted By: Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Wednesday, November 24th 2021 at 10:24PM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...

Report obscenity | post comment
Share |
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
Make a bookmark in your favorite browser so you can keep this information handy.


Tuesday, December 7th 2021 at 8:34PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
I can't express the power of this information. if you agree with me, please pass this information on. If you like this information, please hit the like button before you go.

Thanks!!!


Sunday, December 12th 2021 at 8:22PM
Dea. Ron Gray Sr.
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
More From This Author
Gordon, Pamela 1955–
Sarah Vaughan
23 Black leaders who are shaping history today - CNBC
FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN MILLIONAIRE BORN March 26, 1810 - May 18, 1848 (38)
SUPREME SINGER DIANA ROSS BORN March 26, 1944 (80)
Selma to Montgomery March
Aretha Franklin Mar 25, 1942
Muni Long Penned Rihanna’s Hit 'California King Bed' in 10 Minutes
Forward This Video Entry!
Videos Home

(Advertise Here)
Who's Online
>> more | invite 
Black America Resources
100 Black Men of America
www.100blackmen.org

Black America's Political Action Committee (BAMPAC)
www.bampac.org

Black America Study
www.blackamericastudy.com

Black America Web
www.blackamericaweb.com

CNN Black In America Special
www.cnn.com/blackinamerica

NUL State of Black America Report
www.nul.org

Most Popular Bloggers
agnes levine has logged 69717 blog subscribers!
dea. ron gray sr. has logged 60885 blog subscribers!
tanisha grant has logged 27544 blog subscribers!
rickey johnson has logged 7029 blog subscribers!
minister jazz' thomas-jones has logged 6056 blog subscribers!
>> more | add 
Latest Jobs
Maintenance Seasonal Worker with State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in Various locations, CT.
New Grad Hire – R&D Product Dvl Engineer I with TE Connectivity in Central PA, PA.
Product Engineer I with TE Connectivity in Central PA, PA.
R&D Product/Development Engineer I with TE Connectivity in Central PA, PA.
Emergency Management Program Specialist - Apply by 4/4/24! with State of Connecticut, Executive Branch in Middletown, CT.
>> more | add