People who are attentive to their health and regularly use a blood pressure monitor may panic when they receive blood pressure results of 100 to 100. Such indicators do not always signal pathological changes in the condition of the heart and blood vessels.
For people of some professions they are typical, but for an ordinary person the norm is a result of 120/80 with slight deviations in one direction or another. What to do if the device recorded BP (blood pressure) readings of 100/100, what does this mean, what diseases can the numbers indicate and whether you need to panic about this - today we will consider the answers to these questions.
Why is the pressure 120 over 40?
This indicator can provide information about the level of oxygen supply to organ cells in the human body.
Depending on age and the presence of diseases, data may change throughout the day. There are two types of values - systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the moment of blood pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart, and diastole is measured at the moment of its relaxation.
When measured with a tonometer, the upper (systolic) pressure is always greater than the diastolic pressure. Systole is the very moment of contraction of the heart muscle. This indicator is measured in millimeters of mercury. Any significant jumps in values should be alarming, because both a decrease and an increase in indicators:
- have a detrimental effect on blood vessels and the condition of all organs;
- contribute to accelerated aging of the body.
Why is this condition dangerous?
The most dangerous disease is isolated diastolic hypertension for pregnant women, children and the elderly. In the absence of diagnosis and timely treatment, pathology leads to the development of negative consequences for the body:
- thinning of arterial walls, changes in capillary permeability;
- deterioration of blood flow;
- increased tension in the heart muscle, which interferes with its relaxation;
- pathological narrowing of blood vessels up to complete blocking of their lumen;
- disruption of the arterial bed.
Against the background of negative changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, diseases such as renal failure, chronic arterial hypertension, the formation of blood clots in capillaries, stroke, and myocardial infarction occur.
What to do if the tonometer increasingly begins to show levels close to 100/100 - do not self-medicate, but visit a specialist
Possible reasons
A blood pressure reading of 120 over 40 is truly atypical. Sometimes it is associated not with the presence of a disease, but with a malfunction of the tonometer. Make sure the device is working correctly by measuring the blood pressure of one of your family members, then repeat the blood pressure measurement for yourself. Follow the rules for measuring blood pressure to avoid possible data distortion.
Repeated measurements again showed the pressure was 120 over 40 and you don’t know what to do? Carry out the procedure on the other hand. The real result will be considered an indicator that is closer to adequate values. However, a constant difference in blood pressure on the left and right arm is also a reason to see a specialist. In this case, the risk of thrombophlebitis or ischemia of the great vessels cannot be excluded.
Low diastolic pressure can be caused by the following factors:
- myocardial or valvular dysfunction;
- arrhythmia;
- hormonal disorder;
- stomach or duodenal ulcer;
- renal failure;
- anemia;
- cancer;
- vitamin deficiency.
The reason for the drop in lower pressure to 40 mm Hg or less. Art. is myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, severe allergies and heart failure. Decrease in indicator to 40 mmHg. Art., especially against the background of high systolic pressure (more than 160 mm Hg), requires emergency medical attention.
Diastolic blood pressure may fall below 40 mm Hg. Art. and with massive blood loss caused by rupture of an artery (aorta) or injury.
Low diastolic pressure can be caused by a fluid-electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration that occurs after frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. Uncontrolled use of certain medications, in particular for hypertension, can also lead to a sharp decrease in vascular tone.
A decrease in vascular tone also occurs with vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type. Reduced upper (90 or less mm Hg) and lower pressure (60–50 mm Hg) are observed during pregnancy. After childbirth, the indicators return to normal on their own: 110–120/70–80 mmHg. Art.
Increased upper and lower diastolic pressure, for example, 160/50 mmHg. Art., can be considered as a manifestation of atherosclerosis. The reason for this phenomenon is considered to be a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels due to atherosclerosis.
With reduced diastolic pressure, a person experiences symptoms of hypotension:
- drowsiness even after waking up;
- dizziness;
- causeless loss of strength;
- violation of thermoregulation;
- cold extremities;
- decreased libido.
With a strong decrease in vascular tone, fainting, pale skin, vomiting, and profuse sweating may occur. This human condition requires urgent medical attention.
Common causes of low blood pressure are overwork and an unbalanced diet. After adjusting the lifestyle and diet, the symptoms of hypotension disappear, and blood pressure numbers remain normal.
If there is a genetic predisposition, it is impossible to cure hypotension; you can only maintain the general condition with the help of certain stimulants. If the “lower” blood pressure number decreases due to pathologies of the heart or endocrine system, complex, long-term treatment is required.
Signs of developing hypotension
In most cases, hypotension develops as a result of a cerebrovascular accident, so this condition is characterized by the following manifestations:
What does pressure 100 to 50 mean?
- Intense headache localized in the temporal and occipital areas. The pain syndrome may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Fainting with a sudden change in body position.
- The feeling of lack of air is caused by hypoxia, which is accompanied by constant yawning.
- Excessive sweating, increasing weakness, fatigue.
- Deterioration of brain activity in the form of absent-mindedness, memory impairment, irritability.
- Interruptions in the functioning of the heart are accompanied by increased heart rate, pain in the chest, and shortness of breath at rest.
- Frequent numbness of the extremities, they experience hypothermia in the hands and feet.
Blood pressure levels can drop sharply under the influence of adverse weather conditions, which is manifested by headache, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness and nausea.
Causes and symptoms
Low blood pressure is accompanied by loss of strength, drowsiness, and chronic fatigue. Due to a lack of blood flowing to important organs, symptoms of hypoxia may appear - pale face, light shade of lips, chills in the hands and feet.
It is important to take into account the value of the upper pressure. The listed symptoms are observed if systolic pressure is within the normal range or slightly reduced.
In systolic hypertension, the symptoms of low lower pressure and increased upper pressure are as follows:
- headache;
- facial hyperemia;
- hand tremors;
- dyspnea;
- tachycardia.
The intensity of symptoms depends on the specific values of upper and lower pressure. The higher the systolic and lower the diastolic pressure in hypertension, the more discomfort a person experiences.
Manifestations in pregnant women
Low diastolic pressure in women during pregnancy is very common. This is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of the cardiovascular system during this period, when the heart literally works for two.
To assess the potential risks to the mother and fetus, the woman’s general well-being, the presence of associated symptoms and accurate blood pressure values are taken into account.
In the first trimester, as a rule, both indicators are reduced. This is due to hormonal changes and toxicosis, due to which the pressure always decreases.
In the second trimester, blood pressure is usually within normal limits, but minor deviations are possible. Due to the increased load on the lower body in the third trimester, the heart begins to work intensively.
In this case, the pressure usually increases, but the diastolic reading may decrease. It is important to take into account specific blood pressure values and accompanying symptoms, since a large difference (more than 40) between the upper and lower blood pressure in late juice may indicate the development of preeclampsia.
Low blood pressure in the elderly
Elderly people tend to have increased blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. This is due to the natural aging of the body.
At the same time, in a person with stage 2 and 3 hypertension, low diastolic pressure may be a consequence of a heart attack, stroke, renal failure, or atherosclerosis. In this case, it is impossible to try to increase blood pressure on your own, since an increase in diastolic indicator entails a jump in systolic blood pressure, which in some cases can lead to the development of a hypertensive crisis.
Treatment largely depends on accompanying symptoms and the results of a comprehensive examination of the cardiovascular system.
With low blood pressure, a child or an adult experiences the same symptoms:
- prolonged headaches;
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels have almost the same symptoms and only a doctor can differentiate them - excessive sweating;
- dizziness;
- muscle weakness, general malaise;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- impaired concentration;
- weakness, drowsiness;
- swelling of the legs;
- constipation;
- sensitivity to weather changes.
Normal limits
Blood pressure level serves as a diagnostic marker of the functional state of the cardiovascular system. For assessment, indicators of systolic (during the period of myocardial contraction) and diastolic (the moment of relaxation of the heart muscle) pressure are used.
Blood pressure parameters depend on age, gender, physical fitness and some features in the structure of the body. Therefore, each person has his own standards of “working” pressure. So, for some, low values are normal, since they do not cause disturbances in well-being, while for others they can provoke feelings of discomfort, which is associated with the characteristics of the autonomic nervous system. The generally accepted standard for acceptable blood pressure levels is 120/80.
Hypotension mainly affects young people, especially girls. During puberty, a girl experiences a change in hormonal levels, which leads to a periodic decrease in blood pressure. However, with physiological hypotension, the normal number of heart contractions should be maintained, so indicators of 80/60 with a pulse of 80 beats/min do not require drug correction.
Diagnosis and treatment
To find out why signs of hypotension appeared, you need to contact a neurologist or cardiologist. First of all, it is necessary to identify the disease that could cause hypotension. To diagnose the condition of the heart, electrocardiography, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and biochemical blood test are prescribed.
To identify thyroid diseases and hormone imbalances, a blood test for hormones and an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland are prescribed. A complete blood count will help determine anemia and other abnormalities that could cause diastolic hypotension. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes treatment for the patient.
Diagnosis and treatment
If the lower pressure is low, then the heart is under heavy stress. In the case where a low diastolic pressure is accompanied by a normal upper value, a possible cause is a disruption of the nervous system.
Treatment comes down to lifestyle changes. It is necessary to avoid stress, overwork and physical fatigue.
It is important to normalize your sleep so that you get at least 7 hours of rest at night. In this case, the schedule plays an important role for the nervous system.
To avoid stress and normalize the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, you should go to bed at the same time every day and wake up at the same time.
It is important to stick to your diet, drink enough clean water and exercise. Often, a decrease in diastolic pressure is observed in people who spend little time outdoors. In this case, daily walking before bed is recommended.
Low lower pressure with a normal upper value can be observed with malignant neoplasms. It is impossible to identify the root of the problem on your own, so you should contact several specialists.
First, you should consult with a neurologist and cardiologist. After a comprehensive examination of the heart, brain and coronary arteries, and exclusion of ischemia and heart failure, you should consult with an oncologist.
Treatment of low blood pressure begins with an accurate diagnosis by a specialist. First of all, diseases for which hypotension acts as an accompaniment should be excluded. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is carried out by a cardiologist, but if necessary, the patient will also be referred to a neurologist.
Complex therapy for hypotension requires correction of the entire lifestyle towards increased activity and proper rest. Walking in the fresh air, playing any kind of sport or dosed physical activity, increasing sleep time, and combating fatigue are recommended.
Among the physiotherapeutic agents to increase vascular tone, the doctor may prescribe magnetic therapy, cryotherapy, reflexology, and massage. These procedures have a gentle effect on blood circulation in all, even the smallest vessels.
Treatment for hypotension should be prescribed by a doctor, since too high vascular tone is considered a more dangerous phenomenon than low one.
With normal blood pressure, a person feels good, he has enough strength and energy. The appearance of symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, and a feeling of numbness in the head means that the existing vascular tone is not enough for the normal functioning of orgasm; diagnosis and treatment are required.
Therapy consists of eliminating the cause of the pathology and normalizing blood pressure with the help of medications, diet, and changing the daily routine.
First aid
First aid at home boils down to the fact that a person should take a comfortable position, ensure a flow of fresh air into the room and calm down. It is not recommended to take any medications, since it is impossible to increase only the lower blood pressure with simple tablets.
If such a disorder is accompanied by tachycardia and heart pain, you can take a nitroglycerin or Anaprilin tablet, but taking more potent drugs without the knowledge of a doctor is prohibited.
Prevention
In order to prevent a decrease in readings to 130 to 60, you should know why the lower pressure is low. It is worth adhering to important rules that bring blood pressure back to normal:
- you need to do enough physical exercise;
- proper sleep mode, healthy sleep should last at least 8 hours;
- every day food should contain walnuts, buckwheat, grapes, fresh herbs so that a person receives all the necessary vitamins and nutrients;
- The diet should be correct and measured, eating should be no later than 3-4 hours before bedtime.
You can overcome high or low blood pressure at the very beginning of the development of pathology. When a problem with blood pressure begins, you definitely need to pay attention to your daily routine and the amount of physical activity, the lack of which can cause pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
The heart must always work actively so that the blood vessels do not lose their tone. For men and women, the recommendations do not change; blood circulation in the body is normalized through an active lifestyle and proper nutrition.
How to normalize blood pressure
Usually doctors do not prescribe drug treatment right away, but try to make do with physiological changes in a person’s life. The patient is recommended to follow a diet with the exclusion or limitation of the amount of table salt, smoked, over-salted and spicy foods. You should also avoid fatty foods to reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent the development and complications of atherosclerosis.
Regular physical activity is recommended for hypertensive patients, but not too intense, so as not to provoke a crisis of the disease. You can do swimming, yoga, jogging, or just take a daily walk in the fresh air. At the same time, you need to limit your caffeine intake - it is found in tea, coffee, and energy drinks. If the patient is overweight, you need to consult a nutritionist and try to reduce it, since obesity is considered the main concomitant of hypertension.
An important point is the prevention of stressful and conflict situations; it is not for nothing that doctors and people themselves say that all diseases are caused by nerves. During times of stress, the level of adrenaline in a person’s blood increases, which causes vasoconstriction and blood pressure to rise. If the cause of hypertension lies in psychosomatics, you can contact a psychologist or psychotherapist to find the root of the problem and eliminate it.
If drug treatment is necessary, the following is prescribed:
Drops for hypertension
- Diuretics – Veroshpiron, Furosemide, Hypothiazide, Triamterene. They are part of the complex therapy of hypertension, help reduce blood pressure, eliminate edema and normalize heart function.
- Alpha adrenergic blockers – Terazosin, Prazosin. Drugs in this group are well tolerated by patients and also help reduce elevated blood pressure.
- Beta blockers - Bisoprolol, Nadolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol. These drugs act on the nerve centers that control the functioning of the heart muscle, thereby reducing the heart rate. It operates in economical mode, the pressure drops.
- ACE inhibitors – Captopril, Enalapril, Fozinopril. After taking drugs of this group, the production of the hormonal substance angiotensin, which helps to increase blood pressure, is blocked.
- Calcium antagonists - Verapamil, Plendil, Nifedipine. Also used in the complex fight against arterial hypertension, they help expand narrowed capillaries and normalize tonometer readings.
No ads 3
The main problem that arises in the treatment of such pathologies is considered to be the simultaneous decrease in both upper and lower pressure values as a result of taking antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, doctors practice prescribing several medications at the same time in order to maintain systole and diastole within acceptable limits.
If a patient has a problem with blood pressure due to nervous overload and stress, he is advised to take sedatives and herbs. These are tinctures of valerian, motherwort, evasive peony, drugs Corvalol, Persen, Novo-passit, Nervohel. In severe cases, antidepressants are prescribed.
Drugs to treat high blood pressure
