Posted on November 2nd, 2017 Show
Blood pressure and heart rate are two different measurements. While they are frequently measured at the same time in the doctor’s office, they are distinctly different factors in heart health. Blood pressure is the force exerted against the artery walls when blood pumps through the body, usually measured with two numbers. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure as the heart beats and moves blood into the arteries. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure as the heart relaxes between beats. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal. Heart rate, also called pulse, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Heart rate can change based on activity level, age, medication, and other factors throughout life. For most adults, a resting heart rate of 50 to 100 beats per minute is considered normal. People who exercise regularly often have lower resting heart rates. In some situations, such as periods of acute stress or danger, blood pressure and heart rate may both increase at the same time, but that’s not always the case. Your heart rate can increase without any change occurring in your blood pressure. As your heart beats faster, healthy blood vessels will expand in size to allow increased blood flow, which helps your blood pressure remain relatively stable. This is often true during exercise, when your heart rate can increase substantially but your blood pressure may only change slightly. Measuring heart rate alone is not an indicator of high or low blood pressure, although it can measure your cardiovascular activity and oxygen consumption. People with hypertension (high blood pressure), must regularly monitor their blood pressure and work closely with their physician to determine treatment options. Most physicians will continue to monitor both blood pressure and heart rate for all patients, since they indicate different factors of heart health. If you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure or heart rate, contact the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. Your body’s network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. Arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. This can be true even for people who have heart-healthy habits and feel just fine. High blood pressure, sometimes called "the silent killer," often doesn't cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. Though high blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults, many may not even be aware they have it. If high blood pressure isn't controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease (such as heart disease and stroke), vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people.
What is blood pressure?Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. When a health care professional measures your blood pressure, they use a blood pressure cuff around your arm that tightens and then gradually loosens. The results are given in two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. A blood pressure reading is given as the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number. Blood pressure levels are classified based on those two numbers.
For older adults, often the first number (systolic) is 130 or higher, but the second number (diastolic) is less than 80. This problem is called isolated systolic hypertension and is due to age-related stiffening of the major arteries. It is the most common form of high blood pressure in older adults and can lead to serious health problems in addition to shortness of breath during light physical activity, lightheadedness upon standing too fast, and falls. One reason to visit your doctor regularly is to have your blood pressure checked and, if needed, plan how to manage your blood pressure. Do I have high blood pressure?Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Some people have a greater chance of having it because of things they can't change. These include:
High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, but routine checks of your blood pressure will help detect increasing levels. If your blood pressure reading is high at two or more check-ups, the doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home. There are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure, including other health conditions and overall fitness. Your doctor will work with you to find a blood pressure target that is best for your well-being and may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, and medications. How can I control my blood pressure?You can often lower your blood pressure by changing your day-to-day habits and by taking medication if needed. Treatment requires ongoing evaluation and discussions with your doctor, especially if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes. Lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent and lower high blood pressure:
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure to a safe level. Isolated systolic hypertension, the most common form of high blood pressure in older adults, is treated in the same way as regular high blood pressure but may require more than one type of blood pressure medication. You may try several kinds or combinations of medications before finding a plan that works best for you. Medication can control your blood pressure, but it can't cure it. If your doctor starts you on medication for high blood pressure, you may need to take it long term.
Research shows the benefits of controlling high blood pressurePreventing and controlling high blood pressure is important for your heart health and may benefit your brain health as well. An NIH-funded study called the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 in adults age 50 and older significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Results from a related study showed that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment, and an analysis of several large, long-term studies of adults over age 55 found that treating high blood pressure was associated with a reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Tips for taking blood pressure medicationUntreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems. If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, remember:
Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español. For more information about high blood pressureMillion Hearts Initiative This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Content reviewed: October 01, 2022 What is normal BP range by age?Blood pressure (Systolic & Diastolic) chart by age. What is a good resting heart rate by age?Normal Heart Rate by Age Chart. What is the normal blood pressure of an adult?What are normal blood pressure numbers? A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. No matter your age, you can take steps each day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Is 120 bpm heart rate normal?A normal resting heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute, but it can vary from minute to minute.
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