Blood pressure

[elderly]

I have just had my blood pressure taken and it was 160/80.
Is this alright as I don't know what is normal.

[crete]

it depends on some factors eg your age , do you take medication for high blood pressure, any cardiac problems, your weight , if you were anxious during the procedure many things , but if it was checked by a professional and no treatment or advice given id assume it was o k ........... but im am not a doctor .

[larkin]

What age/build are you - do you have any medical conditions or are you on medication of any kind. Need more information really.

[cascarelli]

Blood pressure varies according to the time of day, your age and many other factors.

Who took the reading? A GP? If so they probably would have mentioned if it was a problem.

[Octavius]

Typical values for a resting, healthy adult human are approximately 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (written as 120/80), with large individual variations.

A reading of 160/80 without further detail could suggest that your BP was taken in the morning, or after salty or fatty food, or that you are in stage 2 of hyperentension or high blood pressure - which can be caused by many things (menopause, contraceptive pill etc).

Why did you not ask the person who did the reading for advice?

[elderly]

I was told it was up but to keep a check on it. I am 70 years old and weigh 10stone. I don't think I have anything to worry about but I just wanted to know. Thanks for your replies.

[Octavius]

Ah, so that helps a bit. Older people commonly have high systolic pressure (140 mm Hg or more) with normal or low diastolic pressure (less than 90 mm Hg). This is called isolated systolic hypertension which is very common in people over 50. As your GP says, nothing to worry to much about just to keep an eye on it. No reason to stop enjoying yourself though, have you considered coming off the pill and using something else�.?!

[tradey]

i suffer with high blood pressure too the last time i went to the doctors it was 162/90,ive had blood tests and other tests done and they dont know why,ive bought a blood pressure monitor myself and i check it eveyday sometimes its high other times it ok.

[elderly]

Thank you ALL for your replies. I'm not worried ar all, I only asked out of interest. Your answers were received with interest, thanks.

[Carakeel]

The normal range for a blood pressure measurement is below 120/80; the first number represents systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts, and the second number represents diastolic blood pressure, or the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contractionA measurement between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered �pre-hypertension,� and blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high blood pressure. Recent studies show that in adults ages 40�89, the risk of death from heart disease and stroke begins to rise at blood pressures as low as 115/75. Consistent high blood pressure increases the risk of congestive heart failure, and can lead to other problems such as eye damage, heart enlargement or failure, and kidney damage and failure. (taken from medical website)
Hope that helps. :o)

[pie+mash]

Just to add (as already mentioned) it can vary according to when it is taken. I have a wrist monitor which takes BP/Pulse. It advises to take the reading when you are relaxed, arm as near to heart level as possible (if sitting use a cushion/pillow to raise it from your lap), do not speak or move about (fidget lol) and take reading before drinking tea/coffee or eating as these can alter it. If you have been active (walking/climbing stairs) do not take reading for at least 10 minutes.

The amusing part about that last sentence is at our surgery they have two BP m/cs for patients to take their own reading and submit it in the appropriate box on the reception desk, along with their name/dob. Most of these patients that take a reading walk in to the surgery, puffing and panting (apologies to the elderly), take off their coat, thrust their arm in the machine and after pressing the button continue chatting to their wife/husband. They then look at the reading and say that it is way too high, so they then take it again, still agitated and talking!!

[elderly]

Thanks everyone. I thought your reply PIE + MASH was very amusing!

[ummmm]

Last time I had mine taken it was 80/50