Is Low Blood Pressure Really Better Than High Blood Pressure?

• If blood pressure levels are greater than 180/110 mm Hg, this may be associate with of internal organ damage, especially when accompanied by additional symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision problems, or difficulty speaking. If these symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately.
• Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in increased risk of certain diseases; for example, 3-4 times increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and 7 times increased risk of stroke compared with those with normal blood pressure. 
• Low blood pressures (orthostatic hypotension) can cause dizziness and fainting due to lack of blood flow to the brain and can be an indicator of serious and sometimes life-threatening problems and conditions.

People who have “low blood pressure” tend to think this means they are fairly healthy and don’t have serious health issues. In reality, however, both high and low blood pressures carry risks of complications that can eventually lead to some dangerous health problems.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood pushing against the artery walls. It is generated by the heart’s process as it pumps blood throughout the body. Abnormal blood pressures can be high blood pressure or low blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is given in two values as follows:

• Systolic blood pressure, which is the highest blood pressure caused by a full contraction of the heart
• Diastolic blood pressure, which is the minimum blood pressure during heart muscle relaxation

• Do not drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol, do not exercise vigorously, and refrain from being in a state of anger, anxiety, or stress for a period of 30 minutes before your blood pressure measurement.
• Sit and relax for 5-15 minutes prior to blood pressure measurement. Sit with your back supported against the back of the chair and your feet flat on the floor. Do not sit cross-legged.
• Do not talk while measuring your blood pressure.
• Measure your blood pressure twice a day—in the morning and in the evening. Each time you measure, take at least 2 readings, each one minute apart, to increase the accuracy. Record your blood pressure for 7 consecutive days, or a minimum of 3 days in a row.

A normal blood pressure level, on average, is approximately 120/80 mmHg, as measured by the contraction and relaxation of the heart. High blood pressure, or hypertension, refers to a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is higher than normal. A reading of 140/90mm or higher is considered hypertension. However, blood pressure does vary according to age.

Blood pressure categories are as follows:

A high blood pressure reading, however, does not always mean you have hypertension, as it can be caused by other factors, such as stress, excitement, or drinking tea or coffee.

Most people with hypertension are found to be asymptomatic and thus the cause is not detectable. When it is detected, however, it is often caused by complications from diseases such as chronic kidney disease, stroke, heart disease, among others. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to disabilities or even death. In addition, hypertension can be caused by behavioral or other 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.
• Family history
• Too much salt in your diet
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise

Most patients with high blood pressure are asymptomatic, even in cases where blood pressure readings are at dangerously high levels. In other cases, there may be some dizziness and stiffness in the neck, usually occurring in the morning upon waking. Patients may also experience some heart palpitations, weakness or fatigue, blurred vision, or nosebleeds. However, these symptoms don’t usually occur until blood pressure has reached severe or life-threatening levels.

• Eat nutritious foods. Avoid extreme flavor and especially foods containing high levels of salt, such as ready-made meals and fermented foods.
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.
• Exercise regularly and control your weight at a healthy level.
• Keep a clear mind and reduce anxiety and stress.
• Consult a doctor and strictly follow their instructions regarding any medications.
   

Generally speaking, if your blood pressure readings are 130-139/85-89 mm Hg, you should see a doctor to assess any abnormalities in the body organs as a result of hypertension, as well as to check for risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor may consider various options for controlling blood pressure levels, such as behavioral adjustments or medication. Frequent medical appointments are often required as well so that your doctor can monitor and evaluate your progress and take regular blood pressure readings.

Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in damage to some organs in the body. It also increases the risk of certain diseases, for example, 3-4 times increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and 7 times increased risk of stroke compared with those with normal blood pressure.  

A hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels are greater than 180/110 mm Hg.  If your blood pressure reading shows this value, you should see a doctor immediately to receive an accurate blood pressure measurement and undergo treatment. This is because this condition may be a sign of internal organ damage, especially when accompanied by additional symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision problems, or difficulty speaking.

High blood pressure is more common in adults; however, children are also at risk. For some children, hypertension is the result of kidney or heart problems, but an increasing number of cases are due to lifestyle behaviors, such as unhealthy diets and lack of exercise.

Medically speaking, if an average adult’s blood pressure is measured at lower than 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) this is classified as hypotension. If your blood pressure is consistently low, but you feel fine, your doctor may only need to perform follow-up and monitoring during annual health checkups. That said, while hypotension may feel so normal that it is not considered a health problem, for many people, it can cause dizziness and fainting and, in severe cases, it can also be life-threatening.

Causes of low blood pressure  range from dehydration to serious medical disorders. Therefore, it is important to find out the true cause of low blood pressure so that proper treatment can be provided early on.  

• Blood pressure can decrease when you stand 
• Pregnancy. Because the circulatory system expands rapidly during pregnancy, the blood pressure is likely to drop. This is normal though, and blood pressure usually returns to pre-pregnancy levels after you've given birth.
• Heart diseases, such as heart valve disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
• As an effect of other diseases, such as endocrine disorders, parathyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, and diabetic hypoglycemia.
• Dehydration. This can cause weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. 
• Blood loss. Heavy blood loss, such as from a serious injury or internal bleeding, leads to a severe drop in blood pressure.
• Severe infection
• Nutritional deficiencies. A lack of vitamin B-12, folate or iron can keep your body from producing enough red blood cells.
• Certain medications, diuretics, drugs for Parkinson’s disease, and some types of antidepressants.

For some people, low blood pressure can be the sign of an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or when it is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Shock

• Increase your nutrient intake and eat smaller, low-carb meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t stand for long periods of time or change positions too quickly.
• Use medications with caution and always inform your doctor if you have issues with hypotension so that you can avoid taking any medications that could lower your blood pressure.

While we may not consider occasional dizziness or lightheadedness to be anything more than a minor issue – for example, as the result of mild dehydration or bathwater being too hot – we should be aware that when these symptoms occur, it is because our body may be telling us something. As such, we should not be complacent. We should seek medical attention immediately when such issues occur. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up, your blood pressure needs to be measured while you are standing as well. To do this, start by measuring your blood pressure in a lying position. Next, move to a standing position. After you have been standing for 1 minute, measure your blood pressure, and then again after 3 minutes. If your standing systolic blood pressure is ≥  20 mmHg lower than when you were in a lying position, this indicates you have orthostatic hypotension. This condition can cause dizziness and fainting due to lack of blood flow to the brain and can be an indicator of serious and sometimes life-threatening problems and conditions, including:

• Confusion, especially in the elderly
• Pale or cold skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse or abnormally fast heartbeat
• Shock

Most of us know that high blood pressure is dangerous for our health, and so we pay attention to it. However, low blood pressure is often not seen as a problem or not taken quite as seriously. As such, there are many people who are unaware of the problem and are experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Even moderate levels of low blood pressure can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, and an increased risk of injury from falls, as well as the risk of stroke.

High and low blood pressure are conditions that can occur for anyone at any age, so be sure to check your blood pressure regularly and pay attention to changes in blood pressure levels in your body. If any abnormal symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately for effective diagnosis and treatment.