What caused the second number in blood pressure to be high

What do your blood pressure numbers mean?

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) is to have your blood pressure tested. Understanding your results is key to controlling high blood pressure.

Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges

Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

Blood Pressure ChartBLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORYSYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number)and/orDIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number)NORMALELEVATEDHIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately)

LESS THAN 120	and	LESS THAN 80
120 – 129	and	LESS THAN 80
130 – 139	or	80 – 89
140 OR HIGHER	or	90 OR HIGHER
HIGHER THAN 180	and/or	HIGHER THAN 120

Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings.

Blood pressure categories

The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are:

Normal

Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Elevated

Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

Hypertension Stage 1

Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2

Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Which number is more important?

Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure (the first number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age 40 to 89.

Why blood pressure is measured in mm Hg

The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges and is still used in medicine today as the standard unit of measurement for pressure.

Taking your pulse versus checking your blood pressure

While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) are two separate measurements. Learn more about the difference between blood pressure and heart rate.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

What does it mean when 2nd blood pressure number is high?

The second number is the diastolic pressure (bottom number). This is the force of blood on the artery walls between heartbeats. If the top number stays high, or the bottom number stays high, or both, that means you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

How do I lower the second number on blood pressure?

Dietary changes.

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to an unhealthy level. ... .

Limit caffeine consumption. ... .

Reduce sodium intake. ... .

Increase potassium intake. ... .

Limit saturated and trans fats. ... .

Avoid sugar. ... .

Eat heart-healthy foods. ... .

Add probiotics..

What causes the diastolic to be high?

Those factors include diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, smoking, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), or a history of heart disease or a heart attack.

Why is the bottom number high on my blood pressure reading?

Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading. IDH occurs if someone has elevated diastolic blood pressure, increasing a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking, consuming alcohol, obesity, and high blood fat may lead to IDH.