Normal blood pressure by age – Forbes Health

There are five stages of high blood pressure: normal and four specific stages of hypertension, ranging from very treatable to urgent.

Normal

People with blood pressure between 90 and 120 in systolic pressure and between 60 and 80 in diastolic pressure have normal blood pressure, says Dr. Wong. A systolic reading below 90 means low blood pressure.

Raised

A blood pressure reading of 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic means high blood pressure and, therefore, a higher likelihood of developing hypertension.

“As blood pressure increases, the workload on the heart and arteries increases,” says Dr. Desai. ” This is explained by [the] thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy), which can lead to heart failure. It also results [the] micro-tear of the arterial wall, leading to deposition of cholesterol (atherosclerosis). This leads to [the] narrowing of the vessel and further elevation of blood pressure.

Hypertension Stage I

Stage I hypertension is defined by a systolic reading of 130 to 139 and a diastolic reading of 80 to 89.

Dr Wong says that although doctors initially treat this stage of hypertension by suggesting a healthier lifestyle – eating more vegetables and whole grains, using less salt, increasing physical activity and controlling stress – Medication may be needed if blood pressure falls within this range over multiple readings. over a period of time in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Dr Wong adds that according to the 2017 ACC / AHA guidelines, adults with stage I hypertension should consider taking medication after three to six months of non-pharmacological treatment. There is also a risk of atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner wall of an artery) if it is left untreated. Risk factors for atherosclerosis can include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and consumption of saturated fat.

Stage II hypertension

Stage II hypertension is marked by a systolic reading of at least 140 and a diastolic reading of at least 90. It is usually treated with a mixture of drugs and a healthy lifestyle prescription, says Dr. Wong. . Yet this stage of hypertension is more serious than the first and should be carefully monitored.

Hypertension crisis

A hypertensive crisis is an emergency and occurs when the systolic blood pressure reading exceeds 180 and the diastolic reading exceeds 120. Chest pain or shortness of breath, ”says Dr. Wong.