Blood Pressure Readings: Chart, Normal, High, Low

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are vital indicators of heart health. 

• Systolic blood pressure (the above number in a blood pressure reading) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart pumps blood.
•  Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between beats. 

However, some doctors or healthcare providers focus on the first (systolic pressure) number. A high systolic blood pressure reading is a major marker for heart disease if you are older than 50 years. As you age, systolic blood pressure steadily increases from the chronic buildup of plaque and stiffness of your arteries. Elevated systolic blood pressure increases your risk of cardiac and vascular diseases.

Systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings may both be used to diagnose high blood pressure. Recent studies report the risk of death for people between the ages of 40 and 89 years due to ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic reading.

Various factors, including age, diet, exercise, stress, and genetics can influence both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and work with your healthcare provider to manage it if it is too high.

A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure (high blood pressure) is called "hypertension".

Depending on your blood pressure reading, you will fall into one of the blood pressure categories, which include:

• Low
• Normal
• Elevated
• Hypertension stage 1
• Hypertension stage 2
• Hypertensive crisis

While many focus on the dangers of high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension) can also pose a threat. In cases of hypotension, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 60 mm Hg or below is considered low blood pressure. This is true even if your systolic blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg, which is considered normal.

Your blood pressure measurement will determine which blood pressure category you belong to. The higher your blood pressure reading, the higher your risk factor for certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, kidneys, and brain if left untreated.

Blood pressure can be categorized into low, normal, high, hypertension stage I/II (heart disease, and stroke risk), and hypertension crisis.

Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:

Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)

Contact your healthcare provider or Call 911 immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Numbness/weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking

The chart shows normal blood pressure according to age both male and female.  Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are included in the chart.

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated their guidelines to recommend men and women ages 65 or older aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg. As of 2022, however, the ideal blood pressure for seniors is considered to be 120/80 (systolic/diastolic), which is the same for younger adults. The high blood pressure range for seniors starts at hypertension stage I, ranging between 130/80 and 139/89.

Blood pressure tends to be highest in the morning (morning hypertension) because the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline when waking up, which can cause blood pressure to increase. It is thought to be related to the body's natural circadian rhythms, as well as the fact that you have been lying down for several hours and are starting to move around again.

Blood pressure is also usually higher when standing up than when sitting or lying down because gravity causes more blood to flow to your lower body. Additionally, blood pressure can increase in response to physical activity, stress, and certain medications. However, if blood pressure remains consistently high throughout the day, it may be a sign of hypertension or high blood pressure. 

Other factors may impact blood pressure readings:

• Physical activity: Blood pressure tends to increase during periods of physical activity due to the increased demand for blood flow to the muscles. Therefore, it is generally recommended to check your blood pressure before engaging in physical activity.
• Stress: Stress and anxiety can also lead to an increase in blood pressure because your body's "fight or flight" response, which is activated in response to stress, causes the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to constrict.
• Medications: Some medications, such as stimulants and decongestants, can cause an increase in blood pressure. If you are taking any medications that can affect your blood pressure, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Heart and blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries.

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, heart, and other organs if left untreated. In most cases, high blood pressure does not have noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as a "silent killer." However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person has high blood pressure:

• Headaches: People with high blood pressure may experience frequent or severe headaches, especially at the back of the head. Persistent or severe headaches can be a sign of high blood pressure, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or blurred vision.
• Dizziness: High blood pressure can cause dizziness, especially when standing up suddenly or after physical activity. Dizziness or light-headedness is usually due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Chest pain: Also known as angina and may be a sign of high blood pressure, chest pain can occur when the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. Chest pain can also be a sign of high blood pressure if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
• Shortness of breath: High blood pressure can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. 
• Fatigue: People with high blood pressure may feel tired or exhausted even after a good night's sleep. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to fatigue due to the extra strain on the heart and other organs.
• Nosebleeds: Nosebleeds may be a sign of high blood pressure, especially if they occur frequently. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
• Vision problems: High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurred vision. High blood pressure can cause changes in vision or even temporary vision loss.
• Nausea: Some people with hypertension may experience nausea or vomiting. If it is severe, high blood pressure can cause damage to organs such as the liver or kidneys.
• Flushing: Some people with high blood pressure may experience flushing or a feeling of warmth in the face.
• Trouble sleeping: High blood pressure can cause sleep problems such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
• Persistent coughing: High blood pressure can cause a persistent cough, especially at night.
• Irregular heartbeat: Hypertension can cause an irregular heartbeat or palpitations.
• Blood in the urine: In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause blood in the urine.

These signs and symptoms may not necessarily be caused by high blood pressure but be a result of other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are many potential causes of high blood pressure (hypertension):

• Genetics: High blood pressure can run in families, so if you have a family history of hypertension, you may be more likely to develop it.
• Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age because your blood vessels become less flexible.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
  • Poor diet (high in salt, fat, and processed foods)
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Being overweight or obese
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can also cause or contribute to high blood pressure, including
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Thyroid problems
  • Adrenal gland disorders
• Certain medications: Some medications can increase blood pressure, including certain types of birth control pills, decongestants, and steroids.
• Race: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at higher risk of high blood pressure.

Ultimately, high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from working properly. Additionally, untreated hypertension can result in numerous health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle changes and regular exercise can help to treat high blood pressure.

Some of the suggested lifestyle changes by the physicians are as follows:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Avoid alcohol or at least limit the intake
• Eat a low-sodium and low-fat diet such as the DASH diet
• Avoid too much stress
• Eat foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium such as bananas and milk
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure after reaching the age of 35 years
• Practice meditation and other stress-relieving exercises
• Cut back on caffeine

The physicians may prescribe the following medications:

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Vasodilators

Low blood pressure (Hypotension) can be prevented or treated using the following methods:

• Consume lots of fluids
• Limit alcoholic drinks
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or during viral flu
• Drink more nonalcoholic drinks
• Exercise regularly to encourage blood flow
• Avoid sitting or standing quickly
• While rising, take care to sit upright for a few seconds and then get off the bed
• Stay away from heavy lifting
• Avoid standing still for a prolonged time
• Avoid straining while passing stools
• Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water such as saunas, hot water springs, and spas
• Compression stocking covering the thigh and calf restricts the blood flow to the lower part of the body
• Try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal dizziness
• Any consumption of over-the-counter medications should be reported to the physician.

Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure.