It can damage the arteries in the heart, lead to heart attack, stroke, heart and kidney failure and many other health hazards. High blood pressure is especially dangerous. Read about how high blood pressure is diagnosed, getting a blood pressure check, the further tests you might have if you have a high blood pressure reading, and what it means if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure.įind out why systolic blood pressure is the most important when it comes to keeping an eye on your numbers.Every person should measure their blood pressure from time to time and if it’s not within the normal values it should be controlled. Your doctor or nurse will probably want to measure your blood pressure a number of times over a few weeks to make sure the reading wasn’t just a one off and that your blood pressure stays high over time. Making sure your readings aren’t a one-offĪ single high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, as many things can affect your blood pressure throughout the day, such as the temperature, when you last ate, and if you’re feeling stressed. If the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is consistently higher than 90mmHg but the top number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Diastolic Hypertension. If your top number (systolic pressure) is consistently higher than 140mmHg, but the bottom number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Systolic Hypertension. Use the chart to see where your numbers sit. If your top number is under 90 or your bottom number is under 60, you may be diagnosed with low blood pressure. So if your top number is over 140 or the bottom number is over 90, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure, regardless of the other number. Only one of your numbers needs to be higher than it should be to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, and only one needs to be lower than it should be to be diagnosed with low blood pressure. The video below explains how your blood pressure numbers are linked to the risk of stroke and other disease.
Low blood pressure usually isn’t a problem, but it can sometimes make you feel faint or dizzy or could be a sign of another health problem.
This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body. When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number. What does a blood pressure reading look like?
#Blood pressure chart age gender how to
Find out how to understand blood pressure readings and use our blood pressure chart to see how healthy your blood pressure is.