What does systolic mean

However, the AHA notes that if you get only one reading this high, you may not truly have high blood pressure. What determines the diagnosis of hypertension at any stage is the average of your numbers over a period of time.

The treatment for adults 65 and older who have significant health problems should be made on a case-by-case basis. Treating high blood pressure in older adults appears to decrease memory problems and dementia.

Stage 2 high blood pressure indicates an even more serious condition. At this stage, your doctor will recommend one or more medications for keeping your blood pressure under control. Lifestyle habits are just as important in stage 2 as they are in the other stages. Some medications that can complement a healthy lifestyle include:. You should seek emergency treatment if you have blood pressure in this range, which may accompany symptoms such as:. However, sometimes a high reading can occur temporarily and then your numbers will return to normal.

If your blood pressure measures at this level, your doctor will likely take a second reading after a few minutes have passed. Even if you have healthy numbers, you should take preventive measures to keep your blood pressure in the normal range. This can help you lower your risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. As you age, prevention becomes even more important. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease , may also play a role.

Talk to your doctor about how you can manage your overall health to help prevent the onset of hypertension. Reduce your sodium intake. Some people are sensitive to the effects of sodium. Adults who already have hypertension may need to limit their sodium intake to 1, mg per day.

Limit processed foods as well. Many of these foods are low in nutritional value while also high in fat and sodium. Reduce your caffeine intake. Certain health conditions , such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also happen during pregnancy. You can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems that may affect your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

High blood pressure can damage your health in many ways. It can seriously hurt important organs like your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. The good news is that, in most cases, you can manage your blood pressure to lower your risk for serious health problems. High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease.

In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:. High blood pressure can cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke. Brain cells die during a stroke because they do not get enough oxygen. Stroke can cause serious disabilities in speech, movement, and other basic activities. A stroke can also kill you. Having high blood pressure, especially in midlife, is linked to having poorer cognitive function and dementia later in life.

Adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than those without these conditions. Measuring your blood pressure is quick and painless. Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure SMBP monitoring. Tips for enjoying holiday meals.

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February 15, Print This Page Click to Print. Staying Healthy. High Blood Pressure. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Blood Pressure Toolkit. Our monthly e-newsletter delivers helpful articles and the latest news for heart patients and their families. By clicking the sign up button you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Elevated Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.

Hypertension Stage 1 Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from systolic or mm Hg diastolic. Hypertensive crisis This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention.

Donate Now. Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: Systolic blood pressure the first number — indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure the second number — indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats. Which number is more important? Why blood pressure is measured in mm Hg The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury.

Taking your pulse versus checking your blood pressure While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate pulse are two separate measurements.