A blood pressure of 120 over 80 is considered normal. This common myth still lives in the minds of most. Is it really? Far from it.
The World Health Organization has not established a clear static value, but a range. A normal blood pressure level is considered to be from 90 over 60 to 140 over 90 or so, with minor deviations and adjustments to the so-called individual norm. It cannot exceed 10 mmHg in both directions.
Thus, a tonometer reading of 140 to 100 means normal. But is it always? No, not always either.
If a person walks at this level and has a normal upper pressure of 140 and a lower pressure of 90, then we can talk about a variant of the physiological norm. Otherwise, there is mild or severe hypertension or hypertension (depending on the etiology of the condition, it can be called either one way or another).
Each specific case must be analyzed separately; there are no single universal calculations.
What do you need to know about normal blood pressure levels in different age and gender categories?
Is this blood pressure normal, 140 over 100?
As already mentioned, when assessing the level of blood pressure, you need to start from the norms, as well as individual working indicators (constant indicators) of a particular person.
Without knowing the patient, we can only speak approximately about the state of health. Therefore, it is recommended to be observed on a regular basis by the same cardiologist, who already knows about the characteristics of the cardiovascular system of a particular person.
When assessing the nature of blood pressure deviations from the norm, it is necessary to take into account a whole group of factors: the patient’s gender, age, general health and the presence of somatic diseases, characteristics of professional activity, and others.
Children and teenagers
In children under 9 years of age, tonometer readings of 140 to 100 are a clear pathology. Children should not have such high blood pressure. What kind of disease occurs needs to be examined separately.
For teenagers from 9-12 to 19 years old, everything is somewhat more complicated. During these years, puberty (puberty) is in full swing. During the development of the body, an intense hormonal surge is observed, the level of blood pressure at this age is unstable: hypertension is replaced by severe hypotension, and cyclical changes are noted throughout the day, which is clearly visible during monitoring. The duration of this state is years.
But, paradoxically, the body tolerates this phenomenon normally. There is no danger. But, if the numbers continue to creep up, especially the diastolic (lower) reading is over 100, and the patient feels unwell, medical attention is needed.
Moreover, if puberty is far behind, and the pressure does not suspect it.
Gender
It is not known exactly for what reason, but in representatives of the fairer sex, tonometer readings are several mm Hg higher than in men. What has been said is not an axiom; different options are possible. A blood pressure of 140 over 100 in men may also be normal.
Nature of therapy
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If the patient is treated with drugs, this may affect blood pressure levels. Hypertension is caused by psychotropic medications, some antidepressants and mood stabilizers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and glucocorticoids in any dosage. This must be taken into account when assessing the situation and prescribing treatment.
Features of endocrine status
There are 4 peak hormonal states that greatly influence the cardiovascular system: puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
The menstrual cycle is associated with hormonal changes. The concentration of estrogen and progesterone increases. This is where all the problems come from.
Menopause and the periods before and after its onset are accompanied by a drop in estrogen concentrations. As a result, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases and the normal tone of the arteries is disrupted.
At the same time, menopause is also typical for men of different ages (from 45 to 50 years, as a rule, much earlier for smokers).
Pregnancy
For women during gestation, low blood pressure is much more common than high blood pressure. Therefore, a patient with high blood pressure levels needs to be examined more carefully. The higher the pressure level, the greater the risks for the fetus and the expectant mother herself.
Elderly age
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In older patients, blood pressure levels are 140 per 100 mmHg. Art. not quite normal, but quite an acceptable option. Considering that vascular tone decreases and arterial regulation is disrupted, heart pathologies develop.
Features of professional activity
In workers of heavy industries and physical labor, arterial hypertension occurs several times more often.
Thus, pressure within the specified limits can be considered normal. But not always and not for everyone. Possible floating norm: 140 per 100 mmHg. Art., 140 to 96, etc.
Characteristic appearance of blood pressure 140/100
As a rule, the course of the first stage of hypertension is mild, the symptoms of the disease are mild and appear only when the values increase to 142 by 102 mm. rt. Art., thereby worsening the mental and physical health of a person. After stabilization of blood pressure, no symptoms are observed.
Physical activity can cause changes in blood pressure by increasing cardiac output, but this is not a reason for not exercising.
One of the most characteristic manifestations of mild hypertension is an intense headache in the occipital region radiating to the temples. Soreness is observed when the pressure on the tonometer is 135 over 100, accompanied by discomfort and nausea. With moderate hypertension, the headache is not a result of increased blood pressure, but due to muscle tension.
Specific signs of high blood pressure:
- flashing “flies” before the eyes;
- noise in ears;
- pain in the chest with a feeling of squeezing;
- decreased mental processes;
- nose bleed.
Often the pathology occurs against the background of a sleep disorder (from superficial, interrupted sleep to insomnia).
Manifestations of hypertension at the initial stage are inconsistent, they are combined with an increase in indicators that increase at intervals of several days or weeks.
What does a heart rate of 90-100 beats per minute indicate?
Hypertension is usually associated with increased work of the heart and blood vessels in general. Therefore, tachycardia, even more pronounced (up to 120 bpm), but it says little.
It only states the fact that the disease exists. Neither etiology nor pathogenesis can be understood by the number of heart beats per minute alone.
The pulse indicator plays a role only as a symptom that needs to be stopped to prevent dangerous consequences for health and life.
The following pathological processes most often occur with a high heart rate:
- Hypercortisolism or Itsenko-Cushing's disease. Severe endocrine pathology, accompanied by increased synthesis of cortisol. As a result of the course of the pathology, the blood pressure level rises to significant levels, 140/100 is a mild option. It is not difficult to identify the patient even by external signs. Causes: tumors of the pituitary gland (corticotropinoma), adrenal cortex. Urgent treatment is required.
- Hyperthyroidism or increased concentration of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. The described condition is somewhat less common. It occurs in various variants: a latent (sluggish) course is possible, or it can be bright, with a characteristic clinical picture and high blood pressure levels.
- Atherosclerosis of large blood vessels. It develops in people of all ages, predominantly affecting elderly patients. The essence of the pathology is the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Over time, they become covered with calcium salts and harden, not amenable to treatment. A possible option is long-term arterial stenosis. As a result, the blood has to overcome additional resistance, which causes a pressure of 140-146 per 100-104 or more with a pulse of 80-90 beats per minute.
- Kidney pathologies. A whole heterogeneous group of conditions. Including pyelonephritis, nephritis, nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, etc. The process is accompanied by intense swelling as a result of fluid retention in the body, pain, disturbances in normal urination, and changes in the volume of daily diuresis.
The causes of pressure 140 over 100 are different, but almost always they cause tachycardia (heart rate more than 90 beats per minute).
Causes of high blood pressure in women in the morning
High blood pressure values in the morning in women can be observed as a result of the following reasons:
- excessive sensitivity of the nervous system;
- use of contraceptives;
- diseases of the urinary system;
- hypertonic disease.
If there are disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys and other urinary organs, fluid and sodium ions are retained in the body. Excessive fluid in the bloodstream always leads to changes in blood pressure levels. After removing excess volumes, the pressure normalizes after 2-3 hours.
Is it necessary to reduce this pressure?
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Again, you should look at the situation. If this is a normal indicator for a person, you don’t need to do anything, everything is fine. Otherwise, complex antihypertensive therapy should be carried out. Strictly under the supervision of a cardiologist.
Amateur activities are excluded to avoid unnecessary consequences. If treated incorrectly, resistant (drug-resistant) variants of hypertension may develop.
Then it will become almost impossible to choose adequate treatment, the body will adapt to new conditions and the drugs will not have an effect.
How can you help yourself at home?
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The best thing you can do if your blood pressure is 140/100 or more is to take a semi-sitting position. Bend your legs. Take the prescribed drug in the required dosage and wait for improvement.
If therapy has not yet been prescribed and the blood pressure has increased to 140/100, you need to take mild herbal-based sedatives, such as valerian or motherwort in tablets (not in alcohol solution), medications containing barbiturates (Valocordin, Corvalol and their analogues).
These remedies will gently and safely lower blood pressure levels. No showers, rubbing, hot baths or anything else described on the Internet. This is deadly.
If a person feels unwell, in addition to the above measures, an ambulance should be called to carry out appropriate measures.
High blood pressure during pregnancy
If blood pressure parameters during pregnancy constantly increase to 140/100 mm. rt. Art., this indicates the development of hypertension. The condition is associated with increased stress on a woman’s heart muscle and blood vessels, when there is a need to maintain large volumes of blood flow. Insufficient supply of nutrients in the presence of pathological changes in the placenta contributes to the activation of the fetal hormonal system, which leads to increased arterial spasm in the mother.
Pregnancy acts as a trigger in the development of hypertension, increasing the activity of spasmodic hormones
Regular fluctuations in pressure, when values exceed 144 per 100, increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth:
- insufficient blood supply to the child;
- defects in the attachment of the placenta to the wall of the uterus;
- uterine bleeding;
- premature placental abruption.
High blood pressure is dangerous during labor, as it can lead to eclampsia and chronic circulatory disorders in the brain and myocardium.
Symptoms requiring medical attention
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It is necessary to consult a doctor if you have one or, especially, several of the described manifestations of the cardiovascular system:
- Pain syndrome in the head area. Usually of a stabbing nature, pressing pain, aching.
- Dizziness. Especially if it lasts longer than 2 hours and occurs on a regular basis.
- Vomit. Repeated, not bringing relief.
- Sweating for no apparent reason. Patients with high blood pressure literally pour out sweat. The body tries in vain to cool down and put itself in order.
- Regular tachycardia. Especially if it manifests itself in a calm state or after eating.
Even more serious symptoms requiring emergency care
- Shortness of breath, suffocation.
- Severe headache, forcing one to take a certain position. It is not relieved by analgesic drugs.
- Back pain accompanied by chest pain.
- Pain behind the sternum is intense, intensifies with breathing and movement.
- Fainting conditions.
- Impaired functioning of the body muscles (shaky gait, difficulty speaking, lack of clarity in the facial muscles).
There is no need to expect the condition to stabilize on its own. A doctor's call is required.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is carried out under the supervision of a cardiologist and other specialized specialists if there are indications: endocrinologist, nephrologist, neurologist.
The list of studies is standard:
- Oral interview with the patient. The doctor asks the patient about complaints about the condition and records all the data in writing.
- Anamnesis collection. It is important to identify lifestyle, bad habits, diet, and the presence of somatic diseases that could cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Blood pressure level measurement. To establish the fact of a hypertensive process.
- Daily monitoring using an automatic tonometer. It is considered the gold standard for early diagnosis and monitoring of the patient over time.
- Electrocardiography.
- Study of the condition of the heart muscle using a special device (echocardiography).
- Assessment of neurological status.
- Encephalography.
- Study of hormone levels in venous blood (T3, T4, TSH, cortisol and some others).
- Assessing the condition of the kidneys using ultrasound and tests. It is possible to use a tomograph.
- Load tests (conducted with great care).
The examinations are shown in the system.
Reasons for the increase
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There is no exact idea about the occurrence of hypertension, but predisposing factors are known:
- hereditary predisposition;
- congenital anomalies of the cardiovascular system;
- stress, overwork;
- binge eating;
- physical inactivity;
- bad habits;
- hormonal imbalance.
In this case, a person’s lifestyle plays a very important role.
Alcohol
Ethanol is instantly absorbed into the blood and causes:
- short-term vasodilation with a hypotensive effect;
- spasm of the main and peripheral arteries with the simultaneous release of a large amount of adrenaline into the bloodstream, which blocks access to the myocardium of nutrients and oxygen;
- disrupts liver function;
- reduces magnesium levels.
All this causes an increase in blood pressure.
Nicotine
The longer a smoker is, the higher the potential danger. Nicotine is a vascular poison; it paralyzes the blood flow, spasming it. The body requires a lot of effort to normalize blood pressure after each cigarette smoked. But a person’s compensatory capabilities are limited, therefore, with a blood pressure of 140/100, the only right decision would be to give up cigarettes under the supervision of a doctor. Otherwise, hypertension with all the ensuing complications is your lot.
Stress
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A very common cause of BP 140/100. It is necessary to confront your own feelings, there are several ways:
- meditation;
- yoga;
- psychotherapy;
- breathing exercises.
The main thing is your willpower.
Professional activity
Blood pressure readings of 140/100 may indicate the norm for professional athletes, metallurgists, miners, and anyone who is accustomed to a lifestyle associated with physical overexertion. But there comes a time when the body’s compensatory capabilities weaken and the norm transforms into pathology. It is very important not to miss this: a floating norm becomes an objective sign - from 140/100 to 140 (135)/96 (95).
Treatment regimens
Therapy is etiological, that is, aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathological condition (kidney, thyroid, and other diagnosed diseases). This is the basis of treatment. Everything else is just additional measures designed to combat only manifestations and symptoms.
The first without the second makes no sense. To solve the problem of relieving symptoms, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed (several pharmaceutical groups at once, a complex effect is most preferable).
As an auxiliary measure, adherence to an optimal drinking regimen (2 liters of fluid per day), diet, and giving up bad habits is indicated. You should not take medications without a doctor's recommendation. What this entails has already been said.
The outcome of treatment in most cases is favorable if you follow all the specialist’s recommendations and do not engage in amateur activities.
