Blood pressure is a measure of the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. Your doctor or nurse uses a device called a sphygmomanometer, which has an inflatable cuff that goes around your arm.
It is important to take your BP at the same time each day, in a relaxed environment. The most accurate readings are obtained using a home monitor with an appropriately-sized upper arm cuff.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Your heart pumps blood into the arteries, which carry it throughout your body. The arteries then narrow into tiny vessels, called capillaries, where oxygen and nutrients are released to cells. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: the first number, or systolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart is pumping blood. The second number, or diastolic pressure, is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. The higher the number, the greater the blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with an inflatable cuff that wraps around your upper arm. It is connected to a device called a sphygmomanometer, which uses mercury (although modern aneroid and digital devices do not use mercury).
A stethoscope placed over the artery listens for the sound of pulsing blood. When the cuff is deflated, the doctor listens again to hear the blood pressure in your arteries. The reading is written on the sphygmomanometer or digital monitor.
The accuracy of blood pressure measurement depends largely on the person taking it, also known as the observer. Proper training, use of an accurate and well-maintained device, correct positioning of the cuff, and recognition of factors that may skew the reading are important for reliable measurements.
It is best to measure your blood pressure when you are relaxed and sitting down. Wait 30 minutes before measuring if you have just smoked, exercised, or eaten. If you have to use the toilet, go before you take your blood pressure. Wear a loose-fitting shirt or top with sleeves that can be pushed up, not tight. Do not cross your legs or arms. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Do not talk during the reading. Take three readings a few minutes apart and use the average.
Keeping a record of your blood pressure will help you and your doctor see how treatments or lifestyle changes affect your blood pressure over time. Write down your readings in the memory of your monitor, on a computer or phone, or on paper — whatever is easiest for you.
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. When this pressure is too high, it can cause damage over time, leading to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Your doctor uses a gauge, stethoscope or electronic sensor and a blood pressure cuff to take multiple readings over several appointments. He or she compares the average of these readings to what is considered normal for people of your age, sex and height.
Your blood pressure varies throughout the day and night, depending on your activity levels, stress level, and health problems. Your doctor will check your blood pressure while you are sitting, lying down, and standing to get a more accurate picture of your condition.
Your systolic blood pressure measures the pressure on your arteries when your heart is beating to pump blood into your body. Your diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure on arteries when your heart is at rest, between beats. Your doctor will write down your results as two numbers, such as 120/80 mm Hg. The top number is your systolic pressure, and the bottom number is your diastolic pressure.
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and medications to lower your blood pressure. Some people are able to reduce their hypertension by making simple changes such as eating healthier foods, losing weight, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol.
Other people may need more intensive treatment, which includes medication and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will also run other tests to see if your raised blood pressure is caused by a specific health problem, such as kidney or hormone problems.
High blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, so it is often called the “silent killer.” You can only know if you have high blood pressure by regularly getting your blood pressure checked. If you are worried about your blood pressure, talk to your NYU Langone doctor. They will ask about your family history, diet and lifestyle habits, and conduct a physical exam and other diagnostic tests.
Usually, high blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes and medicines. Your doctor will create a treatment plan that’s right for you. It will likely include diet, exercise and medicines. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and to keep regular appointments. Check your blood pressure at home so you can see how well your treatment is working. Your doctor may also recommend you buy and use a cuff to monitor your blood pressure at home. This can help you see how your stress level and other factors influence your blood pressure. It can also show if you have “white coat hypertension,” which is when you’re stressed at medical appointments and your systolic blood pressure (SBP) is higher than usual, but normal when you’re not at the doctor’s office.
Changing your lifestyle is the first step in treating high blood pressure. It can reduce the load on your heart, slow down the progress of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and prevent kidney damage.
Start by eating a heart-healthy diet. Limit your intake of sodium (salt) and saturated fat and get plenty of exercise, especially aerobic activity like walking, swimming, dancing or yoga. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week and include some muscle-strengthening activities.
If you have stage 1 hypertension (systolic pressure more than 130 and/or diastolic pressure more than 80), your provider may recommend a medicine plus lifestyle changes. For example, your doctor may advise you to lose weight, stop smoking and limit alcohol use.
Medications to treat high blood pressure may include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) like losartan and telmisartan; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and felodipine; or diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, which eliminate extra salt and water from your body. Often, you’ll take two or more drugs at the same time to better control your blood pressure.
More than 1 in 3 adults in the US have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Most people don’t know they have it because it doesn’t cause any symptoms, but over time it can damage the kidneys, heart and brain. It can also lead to other health problems like diabetes and stroke. But high blood pressure can be prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss. There are two types of high blood pressure: systolic and diastolic. Diastolic blood pressure is higher when the heart is at rest and lower when it is beating.
Blood pressure is higher in African Americans, Latinos and older people. It is also more likely to be high in people who are overweight or obese and those with a family history of the condition. It can be caused by a lack of exercise, salty food, alcohol and tobacco use. Certain medicines like corticosteroids and nitrates can also raise blood pressure. But you can lower your risk by eating a well-balanced diet that is low in salt and fat, particularly saturated and trans fats, and eating lots of fruit and vegetables. You should drink more water too, but not too much – around 2 litres a day. Try to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day, and avoid large meals at peak times of the day when your blood pressure is likely to be highest.
Getting more physical activity, such as walking, swimming or doing strength training helps to lower blood pressure. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Aim to reduce your salt intake – most processed foods are high in salt, so check the labels and cook at home when possible. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-sodium milk, fish, and lean meat can help to prevent high blood pressure. A good night’s sleep and managing stress can also help to lower blood pressure. If you snore or have been told you stop breathing for short periods while asleep, ask your doctor about sleep apnea which can also contribute to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. Getting regular readings and making lifestyle changes can help keep your blood pressure in the healthy range.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers — the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic). The goal is to have a reading below 140/90 mm Hg.
For many people, the image that comes to mind when someone mentions chest pain is the heart attack victim doubled over clutching their chest in excruciating pain. Those are the times when it’s absolutely necessary to seek help as soon as possible.
But it’s important to understand that chest pain is not always a sign of heart problems. It may be caused by a variety of urgent, non-cardiac conditions that need immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a warning sign that your blood pressure is getting dangerously high, but it’s also a symptom of a number of other health conditions and should never be ignored.
The main cause of chest pain is heart disease. This can be due to a blockage in the coronary arteries or to other heart conditions like mitral valve prolapse and aortic stenosis. It can also be caused by a variety of non-cardiac disorders such as acid reflux, inflammation of the nerves or cartilage in the rib cage, peptic ulcers and gallbladder attacks. It can also be a sign of pulmonary embolism which is characterized by shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain and blood in the sputum. Pulmonary embolism is often the result of a venous thromboembolism and is more common in men, African Americans, older adults and those with poor access to health care.
There is a range of reasons why you may feel breathless. It could be the result of a cold or strenuous exercise, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition like heart disease or lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breathing difficulties may occur because your heart is not pumping enough blood to provide oxygen for your body.
A doctor can check if you are experiencing breathlessness by taking your blood pressure using a stethoscope or a blood pressure monitor. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often referred to as the silent killer because most people do not experience any symptoms. This is why it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, either with a GP or at home using an electronic monitor.
If you do experience symptoms, then your GP will work with you to develop a control plan that can include medication, exercise, diet and breathing techniques. It is worth noting that you should always contact 999 if your breathlessness is sudden or severe and it is accompanied by chest pains or feelings of anxiety as this may indicate the onset of a heart attack.
Breathing is usually an automatic process, but when you feel short of breath, it can be a sign of a serious problem. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor immediately to make an appointment.
The feeling of being short of breath can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heart and lung disease. It can also be a sign of high blood pressure. If you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s important to let your doctor know about your symptoms and how long they have been going on.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order an imaging test, such as a CT scan or an echocardiogram, to look at your heart. They may also ask you about your health history and symptoms, such as if the breathlessness is sudden or gets worse when exercising or lying down.
Your blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart beats and pumps blood around your body. Blood pressure changes throughout the day and it’s normal for it to go up and down. If you’re experiencing a severe drop in your blood pressure, this could starve the body of oxygen and cause brain damage.
When the blood vessels that supply your arms and legs become constricted, this can lead to numbness in these areas. If this occurs, it is important to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can determine the cause, reveal hidden diseases and prescribe the best treatment.
Numbness in the hands or feet may be caused by nerve compression, herniated discs in the spine, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or other problems. It can also be a symptom of a neurological condition called syringomyelia, where a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord and compresses nerves that run to your hands.
Other conditions that can cause numbness include poisoning with salts of heavy metals, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmunity diseases. It can also be a side effect of certain medications and chronic conditions like diabetes or alcoholism.
The best way to ensure your health and prevent high blood pressure is to stay on top of your routine preventive care – specifically annual checkups with your primary care physician. They will be able to catch any potential problems early, and help you avoid serious health issues later on. In addition, if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, it is always best to consult your doctor.
In the long run, high blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries and organs. Eventually this can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and eye problems. High blood pressure is also linked to other health conditions like dementia, depression and diabetes.
Sometimes symptoms of high blood pressure aren’t obvious. That’s why it is important to see your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure. They can tell you if it is too high and how to treat it. Your doctor may suggest keeping track of your blood pressure at home. This will help them know how well your treatment is working.
A sudden severe drop in your blood pressure can starve the heart, brain and other parts of your body of oxygen. This is a medical emergency and needs to be treated as soon as possible.
A low blood pressure reading is less common and may be caused by certain medicines, pregnancy or illness. It may also be a sign of an underlying problem, such as heart disease, dehydration or narrowing of the blood vessels. In some cases, a low blood pressure reading is caused by the effects of stress, and may be temporary.
Everyone’s libido fluctuates at times, but a significant loss of sexual drive can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Whether it’s related to a physical or psychological cause, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
A few examples of physical conditions that can affect libido include diabetes (which can cause vascular damage that decreases blood flow to the genital area), end-stage renal disease (when the kidneys no longer work well), or thyroid diseases that cause an over or under function of the thyroid gland, which regulates your metabolism. Some medications also interfere with libido. For example, SSRIs that treat depression are often associated with a loss of libido. So are corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs.
Women may also experience a loss of libido due to hormonal changes, which is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). If this continues for six months or more, talk to your doctor. Psychological issues, including stress and conflict in relationships can also lower a woman’s libido. In these cases, a therapist can help you and your partner work through the issue and reclaim your intimate connection.
If you have mild hypertension, your healthcare provider will probably start you on a plan that includes heart-healthy lifestyle changes. They may also prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure.
It can be hard to accept that you need to take medicines, especially if you feel fine. However, remember that controlling your blood pressure can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
There are several types of medicine that can help to reduce high blood pressure. Most people will need to take more than one type of drug to bring their blood pressure down to a target level. Many people will need to continue taking the medicines for several years or even for life.
Your doctor will decide whether you need drugs to control your blood pressure. They will consider how high your blood pressure is, other health conditions you have and any risk factors for heart disease. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes before prescribing medication.
The main classes of drug used to treat high blood pressure are called ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Many of these medications are available as tablets, capsules or gels. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose of one drug and gradually increase the dosage until your blood pressure is under control.
ACE inhibitors slow down the way your body makes a hormone called angiotensin II. This allows your blood vessels to relax and widen, lowering your blood pressure. Examples include candesartan, irbesartan, losartan and valsartan. ARBs work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors but can be used if ACE inhibitors cause side effects for you. These include azilartan, candesartan, irbesartan, valsartan and olmesartan.
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering muscle cells in the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax. They are often used in combination with diuretics, as they help to remove excess water and salt from the body. Diuretics include thiazide, loop diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics.
Beta blockers reduce your blood pressure by preventing the sympathetic nervous system from overstimulating the heart and blood vessels. These medications can be used during pregnancy and are especially useful for people at a higher risk of developing heart failure.
Direct vasodilators cause the muscle in the walls of your blood vessels to relax, allowing them to widen and allow blood to flow through more easily. They are used to treat very high blood pressure and are most commonly prescribed as hydralazine or minoxidil.
Depending on your blood pressure, dietary changes and exercise may be all you need to lower it. But some people also need medication, and that’s OK. Your doctor will discuss the options with you.
Everyone with high blood pressure should be encouraged to make lifestyle changes. But whether or not medicine is recommended depends on your systolic and diastolic readings, as well as other factors like how much you weigh, if you have diabetes, and if you have other risk factors for heart disease.
A blood pressure lowering diet and regular exercise can decrease the number of people who need to take antihypertensive drugs, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers found that among people whose blood pressure was in the normal range, changing their diet and getting more exercise dramatically decreased their need for medicine. In fact, only 15 percent of those who changed both their diet and exercise needed medicine to lower their systolic pressure and 20 percent were able to stop taking medications altogether (with their doctors’ approval).
The researchers used data from the SPRINT study (link opens in a new window) to determine how effective lifestyle interventions are in reducing blood pressure. The study compared intensive treatment to lower systolic pressure (target of 120 mm Hg) with standard treatment (target of 140 mm Hg) in 9,300 adults with systolic blood pressure between 130 and 160 mm Hg, and a higher-than-average risk for cardiovascular events.
It’s important to remember that changing habits isn’t easy. It’s especially hard to do when you’re dealing with high blood pressure, which is why it’s helpful to start small. Make one healthy change at a time and then gradually add more and more until you have a set of heart-healthy habits that you can maintain for the rest of your life.
If diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor will prescribe medications that act in different ways to lower your blood pressure. Some medications are thiazide diuretics, which help you lose weight by flushing out excess water and salt. Others work to reduce systolic blood pressure by blocking the production of angiotensin II, which is a natural hormone that can raise blood pressure. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are other medicines that can be used to treat hypertension.
High blood pressure, which doctors also call hypertension, is a dangerous condition that is caused when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently higher than it should be. Over time this can damage the arteries and lead to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Hypertension usually doesn’t cause any symptoms so people can often be unaware that they have it. For this reason, experts recommend that everyone should have their blood pressure checked regularly, preferably at least yearly.
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will advise you to make some lifestyle changes and may suggest that you take medicine as well. They will tell you about the benefits of these changes and can help you to choose what’s best for your circumstances, using a patient decision aid from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (PDF, 132kb).
The two numbers that determine your blood pressure are the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is pumping) and the diastolic pressure (the pressure between beats when the heart is at rest). Your doctor will use a device called a sphygmomanometer. This involves wrapping a cuff around your arm and filling it with air until the artery is completely blocked, and then slowly releasing it. The sphygmomanometer will then measure the pressure in the artery and display it on the screen.
Medication for hypertension can reduce blood pressure by slowing the rate at which your body produces renin, an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow, or by blocking the effects of the hormone angiotensin II. Some medications also act by reducing blood volume, and others reduce the amount of salt your body retains. Medication is often combined with lifestyle changes and may include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, thiazide diuretics, aldosterone antagonists and beta blockers.
Nutritional support can be provided through enteral or parenteral feeding. The former is given through a tube into the stomach or small intestine, and the latter is administered directly into the bloodstream via a tube into a vein. This provides essential protein, sugars, fats, vitamins and minerals that aren’t available from a normal diet.
Blood pressure is influenced by many different genetic, hormonal, metabolic, neurological and psychological factors. It varies throughout the day and can change rapidly with emotional excitement, exercise or sleep.
Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure is dangerous and increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. High blood pressure is identified with a systolic blood pressure reading of 140 or higher and a diastolic blood pressure reading of 90 or more.
While high blood pressure is often called a silent killer, it does have some telltale symptoms, including shortness of breath when exercising or standing up too fast and dizziness. A person’s blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, the first number, which is systolic, measures the force against the walls of the arteries when your heart pumps blood. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
Systolic pressure usually attracts the most attention because it indicates your risk of cardiovascular disease, but both numbers are important for assessing overall health and the likelihood of having heart problems in the future. In general, your systolic blood pressure rises steadily as you age due to stiffening of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increase in cardiac and vascular disease. The first reading of 130/80 mmHg, or higher, is considered to be high blood pressure, and it is important for your doctor to take several measurements on separate occasions.
If your systolic blood pressure is 120 or higher and your diastolic is less than 80, you have isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), which is common in older adults and increases the risk of new-onset heart failure. This condition is mainly related to the stiffening of the major arteries and can be corrected with lifestyle changes and the use of medications.
In many cases, only the systolic blood pressure is elevated, and diastolic is normal. This is referred to as a stage 1 diagnosis of high blood pressure, which may be treatable with lifestyle changes and diuretics (water pills), depending on your individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Sometimes both numbers are elevated, which is considered to be stage 2 hypertension. This is the most serious form of blood pressure and puts you at a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or CVD, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. At this point, your healthcare provider will probably prescribe lifestyle changes and blood pressure medication. You will need to be monitored closely for a few weeks to determine if your high blood pressure is controlled or needs further treatment. Your healthcare provider will also discuss how to prevent or treat the underlying cause of your high blood pressure, such as treating obesity, lowering salt intake and eliminating smoking. Blood pressure can also be lowered by reducing stress, exercise and drinking alcohol in moderation. For most people, the best way to manage their blood pressure is with lifestyle changes and medications if necessary. The good news is that it’s never too late to make healthy choices. Your body will thank you for it in the future. The American Heart Association provides more information about different types of blood pressure.
While systolic pressure attracts the lion’s share of attention, the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, called diastolic pressure, is just as important. It measures the force of blood on your blood vessels during the pause between heartbeats. A healthy person’s diastolic pressure is about 80 mmHg. When it falls below that, your doctor will take a second measurement and may diagnose you with a condition called hypotension.
Your blood pressure varies throughout the day and reflects your activities. But a health care provider may diagnose high blood pressure if your blood pressure measurements are consistently above the norm for your age, height and sex. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can put you at risk for serious long-term health problems including heart disease and stroke.
To measure blood pressure, your healthcare professional wraps a cuff around your arm and pumps it until the circulation is cut off. A digital gauge then reads the blood pressure in your arteries and provides two numbers. The top number, called systolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.
Systolic pressure can be increased by caffeine consumption, performing cardiovascular exercises and by stress. But it usually decreases with rest and with exercise. The pause between heartbeats that allows your artery walls to refill with blood is known as your diastole.
Your health care provider listens for the first sound of rushing blood through your arteries during this time with a device called a stethoscope, placed over your ears. Then the cuff is deflated and the systolic and diastolic pressures are recorded.
A normal reading is 120/80 mmHg or less. You can also have a condition called isolated systolic hypertension, in which you have a high systolic pressure but normal or slightly elevated diastolic pressure. This type of hypertension has been linked with a higher risk for heart attack and stroke, but lifestyle changes — reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly and losing weight — are recommended treatment options.
You can also have secondary hypertension, in which a medical condition or medication causes your blood pressure to rise above the normal level. This kind of hypertension has been linked with heart failure, renal disease and eye damage. Your health care provider will likely prescribe medication for your high blood pressure, and you can reduce the risk of further complications by maintaining a healthy diet, weight and lifestyle. Your healthcare team will work with you to find the right medications and dosages for your unique needs. They may recommend an ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker to lower your systolic pressure, and beta blockers to lower your diastolic pressure. Your healthcare team will also monitor your progress and adjust the medications as needed.
High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer.” It typically has no symptoms, so most people are unaware that they have it. When left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that it can be easily treated with lifestyle changes or medications.
A healthy person usually has a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg or less and a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or less. However, a person may still be at risk of developing high blood pressure if their systolic and diastolic pressures are a little higher than that. In such cases, they are categorized as having prehypertension.
Hypertension is a chronic condition that raises the blood pressure to levels above the normal range. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and heart, and increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The exact cause of high blood pressure is not fully understood, but it may be related to age, sex, and other factors. It may also be hereditary and run in families.
Some of the most common factors that contribute to high blood pressure are being overweight, eating too much salt, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. It can also be caused by a number of health conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea.
People who have prehypertension are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and should make lifestyle changes to improve their health. They should also visit their doctor regularly and have their blood pressure checked.
A person’s doctor will use a painless device called a sphygmomanometer to measure their blood pressure. The sphygmomanometer has a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm. The cuff inflates and then deflates to measure the pressure of blood inside the arteries and lungs.
A person who has a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg and a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg is diagnosed with prehypertension. The new guidelines for treating high blood pressure have eliminated the prehypertension category and now classify all readings above 130/80 mmHg as Stage 1 hypertension. People who have a systolic pressure in this category should make lifestyle changes and start taking medication to help lower their blood pressure. Medications can include diuretics and vasodilators. Often, these medications are prescribed in combination. Some examples of these combinations are amlodipine/valsartan, atenolol and diltiazem. It is important to note that these medications are not always effective at lowering blood pressure in all patients, and they should work in conjunction with other treatments such as weight loss, diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. People who have a family history of high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure and take medication as prescribed. They should also eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and manage their stress.