People with “low blood pressure” often think that they are healthy and have no problems. But in reality, both high blood pressure and low blood pressure They are at risk of complications. That can eventually lead to dangerous health problems.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flow that exerts force against the artery walls. Caused by the heart’s process of pumping blood throughout the body. The abnormality that occurs from blood pressure is high blood pressure. and low blood pressure Blood pressure value It is a unit of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It can be measured in 2 values:
- Systolic blood pressure is the blood pressure caused by full contraction of the heart.
- Lower blood pressure is the blood pressure caused by the relaxation of the heart.
Preparing to measure blood pressure
- 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure, you should not drink beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, or do heavy exercise. Including not being in a state of anger, anxiety, or stress.
- You should sit and rest for 5-15 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Sit with your back resting on the back of a chair, with both feet flat on the floor. Do not sit with your legs crossed.
- You should not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.
- Measure your blood pressure 2 times a day, in the morning and in the evening, with each time period measured at least 2 times, each time 1 minute apart. You should measure it for 7 consecutive days or at least 3 days.
high blood pressure (Hypertension)
Normal blood pressure is approximately 120/80 mm Hg. Measured by compression and relax the heart High blood pressure refers to a condition in which there is a higher change in blood pressure. If the measurement is 140/90 millimeters of mercury and above, it is considered that there is a chance of high blood pressure. However, blood pressure is different at different ages.
Currently, the acceptable blood pressure value for people over 60 years of age should be less than 150/90 mmHg. While younger than 60 years or people with diabetes and those with kidney impairment Blood pressure should be less than 140/90 mmHg.
Comparison of blood pressure values as follows:
- healthy blood pressure Systolic blood pressure is less than 120 and diastolic blood pressure is less than 80.
- normal blood pressure Systolic blood pressure is 120-129 and/or diastolic blood pressure is less than 80-84.
- Blood pressure is quite high. Systolic blood pressure is 130-139 and/or diastolic blood pressure is 85-89.
- mild high blood pressure Systolic blood pressure is 140-159 and/or diastolic blood pressure is 90-99.
- Moderate high blood pressure Systolic blood pressure is 160-179 and/or diastolic blood pressure is 100-109.
- very high blood pressure Systolic blood pressure of 180 and above and/or diastolic blood pressure of 110 and above.
The high blood pressure value It may not always mean having high blood pressure. Because it can be caused by other factors such as stress, excitement, or drinking tea/coffee, etc.
Causes of high blood pressure
It was found that most people with high blood pressure do not show symptoms. and no cause was found. But if it is detected, it is usually due to complications from diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, etc., if not properly diagnosed and treated. It can lead to disability or death. In addition, it is also caused by behavior or risk factors, including:
- Age – The risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
- Gender – High blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
- heredity
- Eating very salty food
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- lack of exercise
Symptoms of people with high blood pressure
Most patients with high blood pressure do not have abnormal symptoms. Even if the blood pressure readings reach dangerous levels. In some cases, you may experience dizziness and neck stiffness, which usually occurs in the morning after waking up. You may also experience palpitations, fatigue, blurred vision, or nosebleeds. But these symptoms usually don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached severe levels. or life-threatening
Taking care of yourself when you have high blood pressure
- Eat nutritious food Avoid spicy food Especially salty flavors such as ready-made food. and fermented foods
- refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages
- Exercise regularly and control weight within standard limits
- Make your mind clear. reduce anxiety and stress down
- Consult your doctor about taking medicine. and strictly follow
High blood pressure: When should you see a doctor?
Normally, if blood pressure can be measured 130-139/85-89 Millimeter of mercury You should see a doctor to evaluate abnormalities that occur in the internal organs of the body from high blood pressure. and check for risk of cardiovascular disease For doctors to consider controlling high blood pressure through various methods, such as behavior modification. or taking medicine and often require regular doctor appointments to consult a doctor and read blood pressure regularly
If you have high blood pressure But leave your blood pressure at the same level for a long time. May cause various organs in the body deteriorates And it causes an increase in various diseases, such as being 3-4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and 7 times more likely to have a stroke than people with normal blood pressure.
Hypertensive crisis is when the measured blood pressure value is higher than 180/110 mmHg. When measuring blood pressure and getting this value, you must immediately see a doctor. To measure pressure correctly and receive treatment This is because this condition is a sign of internal organ damage. This is especially true if other symptoms are present, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
Even though high blood pressure is common in adults, But in children there is also a risk. For certain groups of children High blood pressure is caused by kidney or heart problems, but it is becoming more and more common. Caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as eating unhealthy foods and lack of exercise
low blood pressure (Hypotension)
In general, in medicine An adult’s blood pressure lower than 90/60 millimeters of mercury (MmHg) is considered hypotensive. If you have consistently low blood pressure values But I feel fine. Your doctor may only follow up with you during your annual exam. However, low blood pressure may seem normal. It is not considered a health problem. But for many people Hypotension can cause dizziness and fainting. and severe cases Low blood pressure can also be life-threatening.
Causes of low blood pressure
Causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration. to serious medical disorders It is important to find out what is the actual cause of hypotension. To provide proper treatment early
- Pregnancy: This is because the circulatory system expands rapidly during pregnancy. Blood pressure tends to decrease. However, blood pressure returns to pre-pregnancy levels after birth.
- Heart diseases such as heart valve disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
- Effects from other diseases such as endocrine problems Parathyroid disease adrenal insufficiency Hypoglycemia from diabetes
- Dehydration can cause weakness. dizziness and tired
- Massive blood loss. Loss of a large amount of blood, for example from a serious injury. or bleeding within the body This results in a severe drop in blood pressure.
- severe infection
- Nutrient deficiencies include vitamin B-12, folate, and iron. It can prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells.
Taking certain medications, such as diuretics and medications for Parkinson’s disease and certain types of sedatives
low blood pressure symptoms
For some people, low blood pressure is a sign of an underlying problem. This is especially true when blood pressure drops suddenly. or have other symptoms as well, such as
- dizziness or fainting
- Blurred vision
- squeamish
- tired
- Lack of concentration
- shock
Taking care of yourself when you have low blood pressure
- add nutrients and eat small meals with low carbohydrates
- Drink enough water
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid staying up late. And when sleeping, you should not sleep with your head on a pillow that is too low.
- You shouldn’t stand for a long time. or change posture too quickly
- Use medicine carefully By informing the doctor about the problem of low blood pressure. To avoid taking drugs that cause blood pressure to drop.
Low blood pressure: When should you see a doctor?
Although some people consider it to be dizziness. or occasionally dizzy It can be a minor problem, such as the result of mild dehydration. Or the water in the bathtub is too hot. But it can be seen that these symptoms occur. The body may be telling us something. Therefore, you should not be complacent. But you should go see a doctor quickly. However, if you feel dizzy or dizzy when standing up Blood pressure should also be measured in the standing position. Start by measuring blood pressure in the lying position first. After that stood up. Blood pressure was measured within 1 and 3 minutes after standing up. If the systolic blood pressure in the standing position is lower than the lying position ≥ 20 mmHg, it indicates low blood pressure when changing positions (Orthostatic Hypotension), which can cause dizziness and fainting. This is because the brain does not receive enough blood. and indicates serious problems and symptoms that may result in death, including:
- Confusion occurs, especially in the elderly
- Pale, cold
- Breathing fast and shallow
- Weak pulse or abnormally fast heartbeat
- Have symptoms of shock
We all know that high blood pressure is dangerous to our health. Make you pay attention and give importance to high blood pressure. But the danger of low blood pressure is seen as no problem. For this reason, people often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and lack of refreshment. Even moderately low blood pressure can cause dizziness, weakness, dizziness, and risk of injury from falls. Including the risk of having a stroke.
Blood pressure is a condition that can affect people of all genders and ages. Therefore, you should measure your blood pressure regularly. And pay attention to changes in blood pressure levels in the body. But if abnormal symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis. and treat effectively.
2023-12-20 06:00:00
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