Blood pressure is usually represented as two number ratio like this: 116/74 mm Hg.
You should read it as "116 over 74 millimeters of mercury".
The top number (systolic), the highest of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (contraction).
The bottom number (diastolic) measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (resting between beats and refilling with blood).
The chart below, proposed by the American Heart Association represents pressure categories:
Blood Pressure | Systolic | | Diastolic
Category | mm Hg | | mm Hg
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Normal | <120 | and | <80
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Prehypertension | 120–139 | or | 80-89
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Hypertension | 140-159 | or | 90-99
Stage 1 | | |
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Hypertension | >160 | or | >100
Stage 2 | | |
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Hypertensive | >180 | or | >110
Crisis: emergency| | |
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What is a Hypertensive Crisis?
A hypertensive crisis exists when blood pressure reaches levels of 180 or higher for the systolic number OR 110 or higher for the diastolic number. High blood pressure is a chronic condition. The damages it causes to blood vessels and organs usually occurs over the years. However it happens that blood pressure rises quickly and consequently and it should be considered a medical emergency.
If you suspect of having a very high blood pressure, wait a couple of minutes and test it again to make sure the first reading was accurate. There is no safe duration for blood pressure to remain in high range. Do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 9-1-1 immediately for emergency medical assistance or go to the nearest hospital ASAP. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, don't drive yourself unless you have absolutely no other option.
- Severe headache
- Severe anxiety
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to various bad consequences, such as:
- Stroke
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Heart attack
- Damage to the eyes and kidneys
- Blood vessel damage (A hypertensive crisis can cause blood vessels to become inflamed and potentially leak blood, making it difficult to maintain adequate blood circulation.)
- Organ damage caused by inadequate circulation
- Aortic dissection
- Angina (unstable chest pain)
- Fluid backup in the lungs
- Loss of kidney function
Conclusion: do sport (swim, bike and run), eat healthy (broccolis), sleep, and be nice to others.
