Blood pressure is a key indicator of our heart health. It refers to the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. When the heart beats, it pushes blood through the arteries, creating pressure. This pressure is necessary for blood to reach different parts of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients. If blood pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, or kidney issues. This is why maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range is essential for overall health. In this article we will explain how blood pressure works, the normal ranges, how it changes with age, and the importance of regular monitoring. Without further ado, let’s begin by understanding the basics.

How Blood Pressure Works

Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through the arteries. It comprises of two key components:

• Systolic Pressure: This is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It measures the force when the heart beats and pushes blood into the arteries.
• Diastolic Pressure: This is the bottom number. It measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.

For example, if a blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg, 120 represents the systolic pressure, and 80 is the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), which is the standard unit used to express the force exerted by blood on the artery walls.

Maintaining a balance between systolic and diastolic pressure is essential. If either number is consistently too high or too low, it can strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney problems.

Blood Pressure Range: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Blood pressure readings are divided into different categories to help determine whether they are within a healthy range. Each category highlights the potential health risks associated with specific blood pressure levels.

1. Normal Blood Pressure

A normal blood pressure reading is generally around 120/80 mm Hg. In this range, the heart and arteries are functioning properly, and there is minimal risk of heart-related complications.

2. Elevated Blood Pressure

When systolic pressure ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure remains below 80 mm Hg, it is considered elevated blood pressure. Although not yet classified as high blood pressure, it indicates a risk of developing hypertension if left unmanaged.

3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Stage 1

Stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently ranges between 130–139 mm Hg systolic or 80–89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication may be recommended to lower blood pressure and reduce health risks.

4. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Stage 2

Stage 2 hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings are 140 mm Hg or higher systolic or 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic. This stage significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems, often requiring medical treatment.

5. Hypertensive Crisis

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency where blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mm Hg. This level can cause damage to organs and requires immediate medical attention.

Blood Pressure Chart for Reference:

Understanding where blood pressure falls within this chart can help identify potential health risks and guide decisions regarding lifestyle changes or medical care.

What is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?

Blood pressure can vary depending on age, as well as other factors like overall health and lifestyle. Understanding what’s considered normal blood pressure by age helps in tracking changes over time and identifying potential health concerns early.

Blood Pressure Ranges Across Different Age Groups:

These ranges serve as a general guideline, though individual factors like weight, activity levels, and existing health conditions can influence readings.

2. How Age Affects Blood Pressure

• Children and Teenagers: Blood pressure is generally lower in younger individuals, gradually increasing as the body grows and develops.
• Adults: Healthy adults usually maintain blood pressure around 120/80 mm Hg, but factors like diet, stress, and activity levels can cause variations.
• Older Adults: As arteries naturally stiffen with age, it’s common to see a slight increase in systolic pressure. However, consistently high readings still pose health risks.

3. Monitoring Heart Rate Alongside Blood Pressure

Tracking heart rate is also important when monitoring blood pressure. The normal heart rate range for adults is generally between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate consistently higher or lower than this range could signal underlying health concerns, especially when paired with abnormal blood pressure readings.

Low Blood Pressure Range, Causes, and Symptoms

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when blood pressure readings fall below the normal range, typically less than 90/60 mm Hg. While low blood pressure may not always be harmful, it can lead to symptoms and health risks, especially if blood flow to vital organs is reduced.

Low Blood Pressure Range

• Normal Low Range: 90/60 mm Hg is considered the threshold for low blood pressure.
• Hypotension: Readings consistently below 90/60 mm Hg may indicate hypotension and could require medical attention.
• Severely Low Blood Pressure: Readings below 80/50 mm Hg can lead to dangerous symptoms and should be addressed immediately.

Common Causes of Low Blood Pressure

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lower blood volume, leading to hypotension.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, folate, or iron can contribute to low blood pressure.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including diuretics, beta-blockers, and antidepressants, can lower blood pressure.
• Heart Conditions: Issues like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart valve problems can lead to hypotension.
• Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like thyroid problems or adrenal insufficiency can impact blood pressure.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure may lead to noticeable symptoms, including:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy, or pale skin

These symptoms occur because the brain and other vital organs may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients when blood pressure is too low.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Low blood pressure becomes concerning when it causes persistent symptoms or leads to fainting. Severe hypotension can be life-threatening if it reduces blood flow to critical organs. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms are sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Risks of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can put excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to serious health complications. Hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because it typically shows no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Health Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure

• Heart Disease: Hypertension forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle).
• Stroke: High blood pressure can lead to blood clots or weakened blood vessels, increasing the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
• Kidney Damage: The kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels to filter waste. Hypertension can cause kidney scarring (nephrosclerosis), potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Vision Problems: Increased pressure can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions like hypertensive retinopathy, which can impair vision or cause blindness.
• Cognitive Decline: Long-term hypertension has been linked to memory loss, dementia, and cognitive decline due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

• Unhealthy Diet: Consuming excessive salt, processed foods, and saturated fats can raise blood pressure.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and hypertension.
• Obesity: Excess body weight increases strain on the heart and blood vessels.
• Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure, eventually contributing to chronic hypertension.
• Genetics: A family history of high blood pressure increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Excessive Alcohol or Tobacco Use: Both can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure levels over time.

Silent Symptoms and Warning Signs

While hypertension often shows no obvious signs, certain symptoms may appear in severe cases, such as:

• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

If any of these symptoms occur, especially with significantly high readings, immediate medical attention is essential.

When to Seek Medical Help

If blood pressure readings consistently exceed 140/90 mm Hg, medical intervention may be necessary. A hypertensive crisis (180/120 mm Hg or higher) requires immediate emergency care. Regular monitoring and early intervention help prevent severe complications.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Regularly monitoring blood pressure at home is an effective way to detect early changes, manage existing conditions, and prevent complications. Home blood pressure monitoring helps track trends over time and provides accurate data for healthcare providers to make informed decisions.

1. Benefits of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

• Early Detection: Regular checks can identify rising blood pressure before it becomes a major concern.
• Effective Management: For those already diagnosed with hypertension or hypotension, home monitoring helps evaluate how well treatments and lifestyle changes are working.
• Convenience and Comfort: Measuring blood pressure at home eliminates the anxiety some people experience in clinical settings (known as "white coat hypertension"), leading to more accurate readings.
• Better Tracking: Home monitoring allows for multiple readings over time, offering a more comprehensive view than occasional doctor visits.

2. How to Use a Blood Pressure Monitor Correctly

• Choose the Right Device: An automatic, upper-arm cuff monitor is generally the most accurate for home use.
• Prepare Properly: Rest for at least five minutes before taking a reading. Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise at least 30 minutes prior.
• Sit in the Correct Position: Sit upright with feet flat on the floor and back supported. Rest the arm on a flat surface at heart level.
• Take Multiple Readings: For accuracy, take two to three readings, one minute apart, and record the average.
• Track Both Systolic and Diastolic Readings: Pay attention to both numbers, as well as the heart rate, which most home monitors can display.

3. Tips for Accurate Readings

• Measure blood pressure at the same time each day, such as in the morning and evening.
• Use the same arm consistently for all readings.
• Keep a log of readings, including date, time, and any relevant notes (like stress levels or recent activity).

If home readings consistently show blood pressure levels outside the normal range, whether too high or too low, medical advice should be sought. Immediate medical attention is necessary if readings reach hypertensive crisis levels (180/120 mm Hg or higher) or if symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headaches occur.

How MaxAtHome Can Assist with Blood Pressure Monitoring

Regular monitoring of blood pressure is vital for maintaining heart health. MaxAtHome provides comprehensive at-home services to ensure accurate and convenient blood pressure assessment including:

1. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

MaxAtHome offers Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, a method where a device measures blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 to 48 hours during normal daily activities. This approach provides a detailed profile of blood pressure fluctuations, aiding in accurate diagnosis and management.

Benefits of ABPM:

• Detects Variability: Identifies changes in blood pressure throughout the day that regular checks might miss.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Helps in diagnosing hypertension more accurately than a single clinic visit measurement.
• Medication Assessment: Monitors how well blood pressure medication is working throughout the day and night.

How It Works:

1. Appointment Booking: Schedule a session online or via phone.
2. Device Setup at Home: A technician fits the ambulatory blood pressure monitor, which is worn for 24 to 48 hours.
3. Data Analysis: After the monitoring period, the device is collected, and the data is analyzed to provide a comprehensive report.

This service is particularly beneficial for individuals with fluctuating blood pressure readings or those experiencing "white coat hypertension," where blood pressure rises in clinical settings.

2. Doctor Visits and Nursing Care

In addition to ABPM, MaxAtHome provides doctor visits at home and nursing care services. Healthcare professionals can assist with regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and personalized care plans, ensuring comprehensive support in the comfort of your home.

Advantages:

• Personalized Attention: Tailored care plans based on individual health needs.
• Convenience: Eliminates the need for travel, reducing stress and saving time.
• Professional Support: Access to qualified healthcare providers for accurate monitoring and guidance.

By choosing MaxAtHome's services, individuals can effectively manage their blood pressure with professional assistance, ensuring better health outcomes without the need to visit a clinic or hospital. Whether it's routine checks or comprehensive monitoring through Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), MaxAtHome provides personalised care in the comfort of home.

Book an at-home blood pressure monitoring session with MaxAtHome today and take a proactive step towards better heart health.