treating other conditions that may be contributing, such as sleep apnea.Lower blood pressure is especially common in athletes and young people.Ī person has elevated blood pressure if their readings are:Ī person with elevated blood pressure is not yet hypertensive and can take steps to help prevent progression to hypertension. If a person has the following numbers, they have low blood pressure: If they are having trouble with blood pressure, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help regulate it.Īccording to the American Heart Association, a healthy blood pressure range is: Typically, a person can keep their blood pressure in the normal range by maintaining a healthy weight through a healthful diet that limits alcohol and salt intake, and by exercising regularly.

Severe hypotension can increase the risk of organ damage and fainting due to the loss of oxygen-rich blood. If blood pressure falls too low, it can cause people to feel dizzy or light-headed and, in extreme cases, can compromise blood flow to the organs. Low blood pressure - or hypotension - is a sign of good health, but can be abnormal in certain situations, such as during severe infection. People with high blood pressure - or hypertension - are at risk of developing heart problems and damage to the walls of the blood vessels. Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).ĭoctors can use blood pressure as an indicator of a person’s heart health. Blood pressure refers to the force that blood puts on the walls of the blood vessels as the heart pumps blood.

Free blood pressure printable charte