Systolic & Diastolic Numbers Explained
The two numbers seen in a blood pressure reading are the systolic (upper number) and the diastolic (lower number). The systolic number is reading the pressure your blood is putting on the arteries as it is pushing through to the heart. The diastolic number is reading the pressure of the blood while the heart is at rest in between the heart beats.
SYSTOLIC NUMBERS:
· Low systolic numbers are under 90.
· Normal systolic numbers are 120 & under.
· Prehypertensive numbers are 120 to 139.
· Hypertensive or high are any numbers above 140.
DIASTOLIC NUMBERS:
· Low diastolic numbers are under 60.
· Normal diastolic numbers are 61 to 80.
· Prehypertensive numbers are 81 to 89.
· Hypertensive numbers are above 90.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms, or rather lack of symptoms
Not to scare you or anything, but high blood pressure also has another name, "the silent killer." Many times the symptoms do not show up until all of a sudden there are signs of stroke or heart attack. At that point, there is no doubt that you would be wishing you had taken the time to pay attention to your body.
Current research says that most headaches are not caused by high blood pressure. There was a study done that showed that most headaches are actually caused by tension and worry. The theory behind that is that the arteries have become stiffer, thus not allowing the pain to be felt.
If you do get a headache, however, and it IS caused by hypertension, other symptoms that could go along with it are dizziness, nausea, vertigo, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and and/or fatigue.
It is for that reason it is really important to at least have an idea of what your numbers are. Everyday stresses in life, the food we eat and even how much sleep we do or do not get influences what is going on in your arteries.
Acute Symptoms - Go to the hospital!
On a personal note, when I first realized I had high blood pressure issues & had better get to the hospital (courtesy of my daughter), I had popping sensations in my head along with stars, and dizziness even while sitting down. No pain whatsoever! All is normal now, tho for me!
But, if you have any doubts about your own situation, it's better to be safe than sorry. Please take appropriate action, be it the doctor, hospital or other.
But, if you have any doubts about your own situation, it's better to be safe than sorry. Please take appropriate action, be it the doctor, hospital or other.
