Decoding Blood Pressure Readings

• 120/80 mmHg

• < 90/60mmHg

• Systolic (upper number): 120 – 129 mm Hg
• Diastolic (lower number): < 80 mm Hg

• Systolic (upper number): 130 – 139 mm Hg
• Diastolic (lower number): 80 – 89 mm Hg

• Systolic (upper number): > 140 mm Hg
• Diastolic (lower number): > 90 mm Hg

• > 180/120 mm Hg
• Requires immediate medical attention

• Dehydration, which reduces blood volume, leading to lower pressure in the arteries
• Certain medications like diuretics
• Heart conditions that weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively
• Endocrine disorders such as adrenal insufficiency
• Sudden changes in body position
• Prolonged bed rest
• Severe infection
• Blood loss due to injuries
• Severe allergic reactions
• Septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock

Low blood pressure (hypotension) often does not cause symptoms and usually does not require treatment if symptoms are absent.

However, it can sometimes lead to insufficient blood flow to vital organs, causing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, fainting, fatigue, blurry vision, headaches, nausea, and heart palpitations.

Postural or orthostatic hypotension, a type of low blood pressure that occurs with sudden movements, can cause dizziness or fainting when changing positions, such as standing up quickly. These symptoms usually resolve within a few minutes but become more common with age, increasing the risk of falls.

You should consult a doctor if you constantly experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness and fainting.

Low blood pressure is typically diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests.

If a cause for low blood pressure is identified, your doctor will recommend treatment accordingly:

• Adjusting your medication or dosage if it is causing a drop in your blood pressure.
• If your doctor suspects an underlying issue such as a heart condition, adrenal gland dysfunction, or a nerve disorder is contributing to your low blood pressure, you might be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
• Dehydration, which results from reduced levels of water and salt in the body, can cause low blood pressure. This can often be managed by increasing fluid and salt intake.
• Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood circulation and pressure.

Left untreated, hypertension may lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, angina, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease or kidney failure, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction.

If you have elevated blood pressure, your doctor may recommend modifying or adjusting your lifestyle:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Adhere to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dietary plan that emphasises the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy.
• Limit sodium intake to less than 6g of salt per day and get enough potassium.
• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and consider incorporating resistance training, such as lifting light weights.
• Limit your alcohol intake, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, manage stress, stay hydrated, and monitor your blood pressure.

If your blood pressure consistently measures above 140/90mmHg (or 135/85mmHg at home) and your risk of other health issues is significant, medications will be recommended alongside lifestyle modifications to reduce your blood pressure.

If your blood pressure consistently exceeds 160/100mmHg, medication will also be offered along with lifestyle changes. Medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Adhere to your medication schedule as prescribed, as missing doses can compromise its effectiveness. Long-term use of blood pressure medication may be necessary. However, your doctor may consider reducing or discontinuing treatment if your blood pressure remains well-managed over several years.