What is a danger reading for high blood pressure?

What is a danger reading for high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

When to seek medical attention for high blood pressure?

Hypertensive crisis. This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately.

When to use an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading?

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age 40 to 89.

What happens when your blood pressure is too high?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure happens when this force is too high. Scary, but true: Most people who have this condition display zero signs or high blood pressure symptoms, even when their blood pressure readings are at dangerously high levels.

Are there new guidelines for high blood pressure?

However, now there are new guidelines lowering the threshold of what’s considered high blood pressure. The American Heart Association has now lowered stage 1 high blood pressure from 140/90 to 130/80. What does this mean? It means “that 46 percent of U.S. adults, many of them under the age of 45, now will be considered hypertensive.”

When to seek medical attention for hypertensive crisis?

If you experience a severe increase in your blood pressure, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for hypertensive crisis may include hospitalization for treatment with oral or intravenous medications. Sleep deprivation: A cause of high blood pressure? Blood pressure: Is it affected by cold weather? Suneja M, et al. Hypertensive emergency.

What happens if your blood pressure reading is falsely high?

Otherwise, the reading could be inaccurate. What’s the Big Deal? When a blood pressure reading is falsely elevated either because the cuff is the wrong size or your arm is in the wrong position, you could be falsely diagnosed as hypertensive. That can set in motion a domino effect.

What to do if your blood pressure reading is high?

Do NOT Talk! Talking while your blood pressure is being taken can increase the reading by 10 to 20 points. If the nurse ask you something personal or emotional, the reading could go even higher ( Angiology, July, 1982 ). This is not something most health professionals are aware of.

When to go to the ER for high blood pressure?

An elevated reading may or may not be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: There are two types of hypertensive crises—both require immediate attention as early evaluation of organ function is critical to determine an appropriate course of action. If your blood pressure is 180/120 or greater, wait about five minutes and try again.