Normal blood pressure – norms, measuring pressure, hypertension. Normal pressure in pregnancy

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Over 10 million Poles have hypertension, which can lead to much more serious health problems, including, for example, a heart attack or stroke. What is the correct blood pressure and what to do when you notice the first symptoms of hypertension?

Blood pressure – why is it important?

Increased blood pressure is a risk of many diseases and the strongest so-called single risk factor for death. To make sure that your blood pressure is normal, it should be monitored continuously.

It causes damage to the arteries and, consequently, to myocardial infarctions, strokes, renal failure, peripheral circulatory disorders and dementia. It is no coincidence that arterial hypertension is called the “silent killer”. It develops imperceptibly and does not give symptoms for years. Most patients do not know about their hypertension. And most of those who know, and at least theoretically heal themselves, cannot keep their pressure in check.

Dr hab. n. med. Jacek Jóźwiak, coordinator of the MMM17 study in Poland, says directly about untreated hypertension: “This is one of the causes of heart attacks, strokes, kidney diseases, and thus diseases that lead to disability and death. Today, high blood pressure causes around 9,4 million deaths worldwide each year, which is roughly the size of the population in Sweden ». Due to the aging of the population, this number will increase even more.

Pressure control at home is possible thanks to the Tensio wrist blood pressure monitor, which has the function of remembering the test results and is characterized by high-quality measurement.

The causes of hypertension

The main causes of high blood pressure include an improper diet high in saturated fat, obesity, excessive salt and alcohol consumption, smoking, inactivity, and stress. People suffering from diabetes and kidney diseases, as well as people with elevated levels of total cholesterol (over 190 mg / dl) and too high LDL, i.e. bad cholesterol (over 115 mg / dl).

The action will start on May 1 and will last until the end of the month. It will be held in over a hundred countries around the world, on all continents. In Poland, measurements will be performed in Medicover pharmacies. Subjects whose blood pressure proves to be too high will receive written advice with recommendations for further action, including changes in diet and lifestyle. All data will go to the international register, but will be collected anonymously.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force that moves blood through our circulatory system. It is of the utmost importance because oxygen and nutrients would not be pushed through our circulatory system to nourish tissues and organs without blood pressure.

Blood pressure is also essential for the work of white blood cells, antibodies, and hormones such as insulin. Just as important as supplying oxygen and nutrients is fresh blood, which collects toxic waste products, including the carbon dioxide we exhale with every breath, and the toxins we remove through the liver and kidneys. Blood itself has a number of other properties, including temperature. It also carries one of our defense mechanisms against tissue damage, platelets, which help prevent blood loss following an injury.

But what exactly is causing blood pressure in our arteries? Part of the answer is simple – the heart builds up blood pressure, pushing out the blood as it contracts with each beat. However, blood pressure cannot be generated solely by the pumping heart.

To support the heart and lower blood pressure, it is worth using supplements included in the composition For circulation – herbal set from Herbapol in Krakow.

1. See also: Quick transformation – what is it and how to support it

How does blood pressure work?

Our circulation can be compared to a highly sophisticated form of drainage – blood “flows” in arteries or “pipes”. The basic law of physics increases blood flow, and this law also applies to the garden hose.

Blood flows through our body due to the pressure difference. Our blood pressure is highest at the beginning of our journey from our heart – as it enters the aorta – and lowest at the end of our journey along smaller and smaller branches of the arteries. This pressure difference causes blood to flow through our bodies.

Arteries affect blood pressure in much the same way as the physical properties of a garden hose affect water pressure. The constriction of the pipe increases the pressure at the point of constriction. For example, without the flexible nature of the artery walls, blood pressure would drop faster as it is pumped out of the heart. While the heart produces maximum pressure, the properties of the arteries are just as important in maintaining it and allowing blood to flow throughout the body.

The condition of the arteries affects blood pressure and blood flow, and narrowing of the arteries can eventually block the flow completely, leading to dangerous conditions including stroke and heart attack.

1. Also check: These signals may indicate that your heart is in a deplorable condition

How do I measure my blood pressure?

Measuring your blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This will help us and our doctor find out if our treatment is working. Your doctor may also suggest that we check your home pressure if he thinks you may have a “white coat effect”. It’s a real condition. The stress of being in the doctor’s office raises blood pressure, but when the patient is at home his blood pressure results are normal.

In this case, we must obtain a home blood pressure monitor. We need to make sure the cuff fits snugly. If the arm is too large for the cuff, the reading may be higher than it actually is. A wrist blood pressure monitor can also be used, but these are often not as accurate. Follow the instructions that came with the device to make sure that it is being used correctly.

No matter what blood pressure monitor we have, it’s a good idea to take it to the doctor’s office. We can then compare its reading with the numbers our doctor receives. Remember to avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.

When we measure blood pressure at home, let’s sit upright in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the correct arm position to get accurate readings.

Blood pressure should be measured at the same time of day for consistent readings. Then take several readings about 1 minute apart and of course remember to write down the results. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers such as 120/80. The larger number indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps blood with each beat. This is called systolic blood pressure. The lower number indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes for the next beat. This is called diastolic blood pressure. Both are measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The results should be consulted with a doctor who will decide whether to change the lifestyle or take medications. Even if your blood pressure is high, you are unlikely to have symptoms. That is why high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer”. The first symptom of untreated high blood pressure can be a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage.

Blood pressure differences

Our blood pressure changes to meet our body’s needs. If the reading is high, your doctor may re-measure your blood pressure several times to confirm the level. Your doctor may also recommend that you measure your blood pressure at home or record your blood pressure over a 24-hour period with a monitoring device.

If your blood pressure is hovering around the upper normal limit, you may want to think about natural ways to lower it. We recommend, for example, the natural dietary supplement Aronia + for blood pressure, which is available on Medonet Market at a promotional price.

Regular pressure measurement

As long as our blood pressure is within the normal range and we have no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, or a personal or family history of high blood pressure, it is still important to have our blood pressure checked at least every two years. Our doctor may also check your blood pressure during routine visits.

If your blood pressure is at or above the normal range, such as 140/95, or if you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack, it is best to check it more often. for example, every 6 to 12 months or as directed by your doctor. It is best to consult a doctor about this.

See also: Cardiovascular risk factors

Normal blood pressure

Many people are looking for an answer to the question of what is the correct blood pressure. The following are the norms for normal blood pressure.

For blood (arterial) pressure, the norms are as follows:

1. 120/80 mm Hg optimal pressure
2. 120-129 / 80-84 mm Hg normal pressure
3. 130-139 / 85-89 mm Hg correct high pressure
4. 140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg mild hypertension
5. 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg moderate hypertension
6. 180/110 mm Hg and severe hypertension.

Blood pressure norms in the elderly

1. With age, blood pressure may increase. Your doctor will try to bring your blood pressure down to the correct level.
2. Patients up to 80 years of age: systolic blood pressure should be reduced to 140-150 mm Hg, and in patients in good general condition the target value is less than 140 mm Hg.
3. Patients over 80 years of age: systolic blood pressure in patients in good general condition ultimately falls below 150 mm Hg.

Normal heart rate

During rest, the normal (physiological) heart rate varies with age and is:

1. in a newborn: 130-140 beats / min,
2. in a 2-year-old child: 110-130 beats / min,
3. in a 7-year-old child: 80-90 beats / min,
4. in adults: 66-76 beats / min.,
5. in the elderly sometimes: 60-65 beats / min.

The heart rate is nothing more than the movement of the vessels depending on the contractions of the heart and the elasticity of the walls of the arteries (they are much weaker if the patient suffers from atherosclerosis). For health, the number of beats per minute, the perception of the pulse on both sides of the body as well as the interval between the beats and their intensity are important.

It is generally accepted that the slower our heart rate is, the better it is for the human body as there is less risk of heart attack and stroke. However, too low heart rate is not that good for our health, while too fast heart rate is associated with hypertension. Age and condition affect the proper functioning of the heart. For this reason, heart rate is lower in people who are very active on a daily basis.

The pressure should be measured as often as possible. Its proper control makes it possible to detect various irregularities at an early stage. The iHealth TRACK blood pressure monitor with a sleeve has the function of detecting arrhythmias and reminds you to check your blood pressure regularly.

Normal blood pressure and hypertension

Slight hypertension appears when the values ​​are already 140/90 mm Hg. One cause for concern is the result of 180/110 mm Hg. It is extremely important to find the cause of the increased pressure, and there are many factors that can cause it. Possible causes of high blood pressure include:

1. a high salt diet
2. lack of physical activity,
3. stress,
4. heart or kidney disease
5. hormonal disorders,
6. consumption of highly processed products,
7. unhealthy eating habits,
8. overweight or obesity,
9. smoking,
10. high cholesterol
11. diabetes,
12. depression.

High pressure should not be ignored and monitored constantly, as it can lead to serious complications. The longer high blood pressure is left untreated, the more it can damage your body and affect your health. Potential complications of high blood pressure include the following diseases and conditions.

1. Heart attack and stroke. Continued high blood pressure can cause the arteries to thicken and harden, which can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
2. Heart failure. When arteries are thickened and hardened, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This can cause an overgrowth of the heart muscle and eventually lead to heart failure.
3. Aneurysm of the aorta. High blood pressure can weaken the blood vessels and cause them to swell in the weakened area, allowing an aneurysm to form. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
4. Kidney failure. High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys. This can affect your kidneys’ ability to filter blood.
5. Loss of sight. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes.
6. Peripheral arterial disease. Hardening of the arteries can prevent the blood supply to parts of the body farther from the heart, such as the legs and feet.
7. Sexual dysfunction. High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido in women.
8. Vascular dementia. Narrowed or hardened arteries can restrict blood flow to the brain, which in turn can increase the risk of vascular dementia. This type of dementia can also be caused by a stroke.

Check your blood pressure regularly. Buy Omron M2 HEM-7121-E Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor available on Medonet Market.

How to Treat Hypertension?

Patients with hypertension are advised to follow an appropriate (healthy) diet and exercise. Unhealthy foods should be replaced with lean meats, fish, and whole grains. It’s also a good idea to reduce your salt (sodium) intake. Salt is a mineral and consists of sodium and chloride, but it is the sodium in salt that is harmful to your health. Although health professionals talk about salt, sodium is listed on food labels in supermarkets.

In addition, regular swimming, walking or cycling is recommended. Each type of physical activity has a positive effect on our health. It’s best to be moderately physically active for 30 to 45 minutes a day, five or more days a week. Alternatively, it is recommended to engage in vigorous activity (an activity that makes a person wheeze) for 15 to 30 minutes, five or more days a week. It is also worth limiting alcohol consumption and getting a good night’s sleep (for most adults it is regularly 7-8 hours of sleep a day).

Some people may also need medication to deal with high blood pressure, but it’s still important that they change their lifestyle as well.

If you want to monitor your blood pressure, choose one of the blood pressure monitor models available on Medonet Market. There you will find a wide selection of devices. In order to regulate blood pressure, it is also worth using appropriate supplements, such as Harmonix 500 ml. The recipe of the product was created based on the knowledge of Father Klimuszko, a physiotherapist and a monk.

See also: Walking is the way to health

Normal blood pressure and hypotension

Low blood pressure is known as hypotension. In adults, a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower is often considered hypotension.

Hypotension can be dangerous because too low blood pressure does not supply the body and heart with enough oxygenated blood.

Some potential causes of hypotension may include:

1. heart problems,
2. dehydration,
3. pregnancies,
4. blood loss
5. severe infection (sepsis),
6. a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
7. malnutrition,
8. problemy endokrynologiczne,
9. certain medications.

Treatment will depend on what is causing the hypotension. Our doctor will consider a variety of factors, including:

1. the type of hypotension we’re experiencing
2. situations that may cause us hypotension.

In some people, low blood pressure may not cause any symptoms. In cases where treatment is needed, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, treatment, or a combination of both.

For lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to avoid hypotension from dehydration, especially if you vomit or have diarrhea. Stay well hydrated during exercise and in hot places. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you increase your electrolyte intake to keep your blood pressure higher.

Knowing your emotional or stressful triggers. Make a note of situations where we felt very scared or excited just before our blood pressure dropped. We may be able to plan ahead to avoid such situations. We can also plan support in the event of dizziness or malaise.

Getting around. If you experience low blood pressure while standing for a long time, try to tense your leg muscles and move in place. If we have the opportunity, let’s take a break to sit down.

Getting up without rushing. Let’s change positions slowly and gradually. Instead of getting up quickly, let’s move to a sitting or standing position with small movements. Slow, deep breathing can help keep your blood pressure high.

Change your eating habits. If you develop low blood pressure after eating, your doctor may recommend that you eat smaller meals more often throughout the day or eat different foods. Avoid suddenly waking up after eating.

However, some forms of hypotension may require treatment. Treatment for low blood pressure may include the following methods.

1. Medicines for underlying diseases. When a disease causes low blood pressure, treatment may include medications for the disease. Your doctor may recommend medications for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or infection.
2. Drugs that raise blood pressure. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe medications daily to raise severely low blood pressure. This is more likely in cases of severe orthostatic hypotension when other treatments have not helped.
3. Emergency treatment of shock. Shock-induced hypotension is the most serious form of low blood pressure. Dangerously low blood pressure must be treated immediately. Emergency personnel can administer fluids and other treatments to increase blood pressure and stabilize vital signs.

See also: How to raise the pressure? Several proven ways

Normal pressure in pregnancy

In pregnant women, the doctor measures blood pressure at each visit. The norms for pregnant women do not differ much from the normal values ​​for non-pregnant women. The difference is that during pregnancy there is a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure and a greater decrease in diastolic blood pressure due to the rising concentration of progesterone in the body. In pregnant women, diastolic blood pressure can drop by as much as 10 mmHg, most often between the 12th and 26th week of pregnancy. It then returns to normal around week 36 of pregnancy.

Normal blood pressure in a pregnant woman should be less than 140/90 mmHg. If there are higher values, it is called mild, moderate or severe hypertension. You can check your blood pressure at home, thanks to the Nissei device. Nissei Comfort is a blood pressure monitor with automatic measurement. It is easy to use, and thanks to its small size, it does not cause problems with storage.

What types of hypertension do we distinguish in pregnant women?

1. chronic hypertension,
2. gestational hypertension,
3. preeclampsia, which is a sharp rise in blood pressure accompanied by proteinuria and swelling all over the body. It can be caused by uterine ischemia, CNS hypersensitivity, genetic defects, excessive uterine stretching, impaired blood flow through the placenta, epithelial damage and hypervolaemia.
4. eclampsia, or tonic-clonic seizures, caused by damage to the central nervous system.

Any type of hypertension requires treatment in pregnant women. This is very important as untreated high blood pressure in pregnancy leads to dangerous complications for both mother and baby. By purchasing a medical subscription, you provide yourself with comprehensive medical care at every stage of pregnancy. The service includes, among others, consultations as well as laboratory and diagnostic tests.

See also: The most common genetic diseases. How are they made?

How to Avoid Gestational Hypertension?

In addition to regular medical check-ups, in preventing gestational hypertension, a proper diet of a pregnant woman is also important, containing the right amount of protein, vitamins and bioelements, especially calcium and magnesium, as well as rational rest and staying outdoors. The basic element of the prevention and treatment of mild gestational hypertension is lying down, a diet low in salt, but high in protein.

At Medonet Market you can buy a high-quality Solgar dietary supplement, which helps to supplement the daily requirement for calcium and magnesium.

If you feel unwell, your blood pressure has increased or you notice symptoms such as problems with your vision or spots in front of the eyes, headache or dizziness, clearly increasing swelling, a small amount of urine or abdominal pain are an indication for immediate contact with a doctor and a stay in the hospital. The most severe form of gestational hypertension is eclampsia, accompanied by loss of consciousness and seizures. It most often occurs during childbirth and requires treatment in a hospital ward.

Normal blood pressure and physical activity

It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new activity or increasing the level or intensity. Stay active safely and gradually increase your activity level.

It is recommended that you engage in at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. This can be done in bursts of 10 minutes or longer if it is more convenient for the person.

Physical activity is any form of body movement performed by our large muscle groups. Moderate-intensity physical activity (energy activity that does not make you breathless), such as brisk walking or cycling, is sufficient to provide health benefits. Walking is also a great activity for all ages.

Certain types of exercise, such as lifting heavy weights, can raise your blood pressure. They should be avoided if you have high blood pressure.

See also: Burning calories by bike

Normal blood pressure and diet

Following a diet that emphasizes the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, including low-fat dairy products, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, can be combined with exercise and weight loss to maximize blood pressure reduction.

Eating well is important in controlling high blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Adherence to heart-healthy eating patterns is recommended.

1. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Include a variety of healthy sources of protein – especially fish and seafood, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts, and seeds. Smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry can also be included in a heart-healthy diet. If you choose red meat, make sure it is lean and limit it to 1-3 times a week.
3. Consume unflavored milk, yoghurt and cheese. If you have high cholesterol, choose a lower-fat variety.
4. Make healthy choices of fats with nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their cooking oils.
5. Add herbs and spices to taste, instead of salt.
6. Drink mainly water.

See also: Red meat in the diet. Myths and facts about the properties of red meat

Normal blood pressure and salt intake

Reducing the amount of salt (sodium) you consume can also help you manage and even avoid high blood pressure. You can follow these tips to reduce your salt intake.

1. Make sure your diet consists of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and poultry, fish and seafood, legumes, unsalted nuts, and seeds.
2. Avoid packaged and processed foods (such as pizza, cookies, biscuits, and takeaways) that are high in salt. You can’t see salt in these foods, so it’s not known how much salt is in them. It’s best to get into the habit of checking food labels.
3. If possible, choose foods that are low in salt (less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g). If you can’t find low-salt foods, those with moderate amounts of salt (less than 400 mg of sodium per 100 g) are fine too. Another simple alternative is to look for labels with “low salt”, “reduced salt” or “no salt added”.
4. Avoid adding salt to your food or at the table – better season your meals with herbs and spices instead.

Normal blood pressure – hypertension medications

There are many different medications available to lower and control high blood pressure. These drugs do not cure high blood pressure, but they do help to control it. Once you start taking medications to control your blood pressure, you may need to take them for the rest of your life. However, the dose of these drugs may change over time.

If you need to take medication, your doctor will advise you on the correct type and dose. Often two or more different medications are needed to control blood pressure.

Make sure you are taking your medication regularly. Some things that can help you remember taking them.

1. Incorporate them into your daily routine by taking them at the same time each day.
2. Keeping them in a place that will remind us of them – for example, next to an alarm clock or over coffee or tea.
3. Using a special box for tablets with compartments for each day of the week.
4. Checking your medication schedule.
5. Ask a family member or friend to remind you.
6. Carry a list of medications and dosages with you.
7. Entering a daily alarm on a mobile phone or downloading an application to remind us to take the drug.

Take your blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or change your medication unless told to do so by your doctor.

Normal blood pressure in children

In children, unlike in adults, normal blood pressure is determined using percentile grids. Blood pressure values ​​depend on the child’s sex, height and age. Normal blood pressure in a child should not fall below the 90th percentile.

The pressure that falls in the 90-95 percentile is called high normal pressure, but it needs regular monitoring as it can turn into high blood pressure in a child. Hypertension is clearly recognized when the values ​​exceed the 95th percentile.

Where does high blood pressure in a child come from?

High blood pressure in a child may suggest cardiovascular disease and heart disease. Parents should have their baby’s blood pressure tested at each check-up with the pediatrician. It can also be done regularly and independently at home, although taking measurements is a bit more complicated than in adults.

Diagnostic tests can help determine if your baby’s high blood pressure is related to the condition or if it is “primary” or “primary” hypertension, meaning there is no known cause. Diagnostic procedures may include:

1. urine test,
2. blood tests (including those that check kidney function and cholesterol levels).

Other tests may be needed to evaluate the health of other organs (such as the heart or kidneys) that may be contributing to high blood pressure.

Specific treatment for high blood pressure will be determined by your child’s doctor based on:

1. the child’s age, general health and medical history,
2. how serious the child’s condition is,
3. the child’s tolerance to certain medications, procedures or treatments,
4. expectations about the course of the disease.

If a secondary cause, such as kidney disease, is found, the underlying disease will be cured. If the cause has not been established, the first approach to treatment is lifestyle therapy, which includes weight reduction, increased physical activity, and a healthy diet. This can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improve heart strength, and lower blood cholesterol. These are all important steps in preventing heart disease in adulthood. Drugs to control high blood pressure are needed only in about 1% of children with high blood pressure.

How to correctly measure the pressure in a child?

1. Place your child comfortably on a chair.

2. Wait about 10 minutes for his breathing to become steady and calm.

3. Blood pressure is always measured on both extremities.

4. Wear the child’s blood pressure monitor, necessarily with the arm cuffs. The cuff of the apparatus must fit snugly around the child’s arm, as too wide or too narrow a cuff may interfere with the blood pressure values. For a newborn baby, the cuff should be 4 cm wide and 8 cm long; for an infant, width 6 cm, length 12 cm; for a larger child, width 9 cm, length 18 cm.

5. Measure the pressure three times, and write down the results of the second and third measurements in your notebook.

You can perform a reliable blood pressure test with an iHealth wrist blood pressure monitor, which has a built-in memory of the last 99 measurement results. The device allows for regular health checks at home.

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