Managing Different Blood Pressure Levels
Normal Blood Pressure: If your blood pressure is in a healthy range, keep up the good work! Stick to heart-healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Elevated Blood Pressure: If your blood pressure is elevated, it’s time to partner with your healthcare provider to get it under control.
Hypertension Stage 1: Your healthcare provider will likely recommend lifestyle changes. They might also consider prescribing medication, especially if you have a higher risk of heart disease or stroke. Medication will be added if you have other conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.
Hypertension Stage 2: At this stage, your healthcare provider will prescribe blood pressure medication along with lifestyle adjustments.
Hypertensive Crisis: This is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention for High Blood Pressure
When checking your blood pressure, if your first reading is unusually high:
- Wait five minutes.
- Take your blood pressure again.
- If your readings are still unusually high, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Call 911 immediately if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness or weakness
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty speaking
What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers:
- Systolic Blood Pressure (the first number): This measures the pressure of your blood against your artery walls when your heart beats.
- Diastolic Blood Pressure (the second number): This measures the pressure of your blood against your artery walls when your heart rests between beats.
While both numbers are important for diagnosing high blood pressure, systolic blood pressure is often a greater indicator of heart disease risk for people over 50. This is because, with age, large arteries can stiffen and plaque can build up, leading to higher systolic readings and increased rates of heart and blood vessel diseases.
