my blood pressure number, what does it mean?

Question

I get blurry vision and lightheaded often when i stand up so checked my blood pressure at the pharmacy in the grocery store

it was 121 systolic / 64 diastolic, what does that mean?

I talked to my mother, she and my little sister both have anemia, my other sister has something wrong with her thyroid

Answer 1

Perfectly normal. However, it sounds like you have episodes of orthostatic hypotension. Are you anemic or ill in any way to cause blood pressure to drop on standing?

Answer 2

With each beat, your heart contracts, sending a surge of pressure into the bloodstream. This surge period is called systolic. It is the first number in a blood pressure reading. After the surge period, your heart rests briefly and expands in preparation for another beat. This expansion period is called diastolic. It provides the second number in a blood pressure reading. Thus, a blood pressure reading of "120 over 80" means you have a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.

Doctors generally agree that systolic readings of 120 to 140 and diastolic readings of 70 to 90 are normal. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first stand up. Blood pressure varies with the time of day and the amount of stress you're experiencing. To determine your average or typical blood pressure, your doctor may therefore ask you to take readings at various times during the day.

Answer 3

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 4

it means your blood pressure is normal

as far as your problem about light-headedness and dizziness, it means your blood pressure may not be normal all the time, particularly when standing up real fast from getting up. It's called orthostatic hypotension, and it's very common. When the blood pools in your legs or large veins after you've been sitting for a while or laying down, when you get up abruptly pressure drops in your arteries. Your heart compensates by increasing heart rate, but this doesn't always make up the difference.

The result is a lack of adequate blood flow to the brain momentarily and all of the symptoms you described. Since you're female, you have a higher risk of being anemic as well, which also contributes to this problem. It's fairly common, but go see a doctor about it, as he may want to run some additional tests.

Answer 5

No - these are two different things. Your blood pressure is the pressure exerted against the walls of your vessels with each pumping/beat of your heart. Your heartbeat is controlled by the sinoatrial node in your heart and controls the number of beats per minute that your heart does.

Answer 6

The top number of your blood pressure reading measures the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels when your heart is pumping blood to your organs. Your healthcare professional may refer to your top number as your systolic pressure.


The bottom number of your blood pressure reading measures the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels when your heart is between beats and resting. This number is known as your diastolic pressure.

The BP Success Zone is defined as blood pressure less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below. When you're in the BP Success Zone:

Your blood is flowing more easily throughout your body.

Your vital organs are getting the blood they need more easily.

Answer 7

Your bottom number is the most important so as long as that stays low your fine, 64 is about normal.

Answer 8

u r perfectly alright.
u dont get these symptoms due to blood pressure problems at this age. dont worry about them. rather eat well

Answer 9

perfectly normal BP. the symptoms r related to something else check with ur doc.

Answer 10

That is a little low.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure