The term "blood pressure" refers to the measurement of blood flow within the arteries.
Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries to transport it to all parts of the body.
This process occurs 60 to 100 times per minute and continuously throughout the day to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.
What is Normal Blood Pressure?
When a person has their blood pressure measured with a special device, they receive a reading consisting of two numbers: one for systolic pressure and the other for diastolic pressure.
Blood pressure is considered normal when the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg and the systolic pressure is less than 120 mm Hg.
Danger signs begin to appear when the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg and the systolic pressure ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg.
A person is diagnosed with Stage 1 hypertension if their diastolic pressure is between 80- and 89 mm Hg and systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed if the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher and the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher.
A person enters the hypertensive crisis stage requiring immediate medical intervention if the diastolic pressure exceeds 120 mm Hg, and systolic pressure exceeds 180 mm Hg.
Why is Diastolic High Blood Pressure More Dangerous?
Diastolic blood pressure measures the intensity of blood pushing against the artery walls while the heart muscle is at rest between beats.
On the other hand, systolic blood pressure measures the intensity of blood being pumped toward the arteries when the heart beats.
Studies have found that elevated diastolic blood pressure with normal systolic blood pressure is associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease.
Risk factors for elevated diastolic blood pressure with normal systolic blood pressure include a high body mass index, high blood sugar levels, kidney disease, a family history of hypertension, and being male at birth.
You can also read about Iron levels in the body: Symptoms of deficiency and how to treat it.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Doctors have identified a range of signs that indicate a person may have high blood pressure, including:
- Severe headache.
- Nosebleeds.
- Persistent fatigue or confusion.
- Vision problems.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Heartbeat irregularities.
- Blood in the urine.
- Palpitations in the chest, neck, or ears.
- Less common symptoms include:
- Dizziness.
- Irritability.
- Sweating.
- Sleep problems.
- Facial redness.
- Blood spots in the eye.
Blood Pressure Chart by Age
Several studies have shown that blood pressure tends to change over time, reflecting the physiological changes that occur with aging.
In younger age groups, blood pressure tends to remain relatively stable, with most individuals falling within the normal range mentioned earlier.
As individuals approach middle age, blood pressure may gradually increase.
During this phase, lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, play a critical role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level.
Blood pressure tends to rise further in the later stages of life.
The following values represent normal blood pressure for each age group:
|
Age |
Men |
Women |
|
18 to 39 Years |
119/70 mm Hg |
110/68 mm Hg |
|
40 to 59 years |
124/77 mm Hg |
122/74 mm Hg |
|
60 years and above |
133/69 mm Hg |
139/68 mm Hg |
High blood pressure is a chronic health condition that requires ongoing medical attention.
However, it can be effectively managed and controlled by following a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
Additionally, regular medical check-ups play a vital role in the early detection of high blood pressure and monitoring its response to treatment.
Through close cooperation between the patient and the doctor, optimal blood pressure control can be achieved, preventing serious complications such as strokes and heart attacks.
And if you’re looking for additional support for your heart health, discover how evercare intravenous vitamins can help boost your overall health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Consult your doctor now.
