How do the blood pressure readings work?

Question

My blood pressure was 140 over 90 yesterday,Doc said this is ok but what exactly do the numbers mean ?
Thank you

Answer 1

The top number, which is called the systolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart is forcing blood through them. The bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes.

Answer 2

when the heart contracts (systole), that puts more pressure on the vasculature hence the higher number...when the heart relaxes (diastole), that is the resting blood pressure (this is the number that causes most of the damage)
the new standards for 'normal blood pressure' have now been changed to 100/60. 140/90 is certainly a concern...but you cant really be labeled as hypertensive after one reading...tell you what..pick 4-5 days (every other day) and at the same time of the day (different times produce another variable) go somewhere (work nurse, fire department, health department...and have them take your blood pressure...) if, after 3-4 occasions it is over 100/60, then you may need to look at your life style...
are you under a lot of stress, are you a couch potato, do you smoke, are you overweight, do you eat a lot of salt (or salt substitute), do you get enough exercise, do you drink a lot of caffeine containing products (sodas, coffee, tea...)?
your doctor may want to help you to look at (*) you pick the cause...and help you with it...limit salt, mark off a mile in your neighborhood and walk it every other day in 15 minutes or less (good cardio)...no caffeine, stop smoking...no cocaine or other stimulants...and you may also have to be placed on medication to help you achieve your goal...
it is the kidney that controls the blood pressure...so high BP that is not treated, can affect the kidneys, brain, vasculature, lungs and even the heart..it make make you more prone to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack at an earlier age than others without high BP...
good luck

Answer 3

The bottom number -yours was 90 is boarder-line high. It should be less than 80 for really good BP especially if you are young.
One reading does not tell a story. Some people get somewhat nervous in a doctor's office and it can read a little higher from anxiety. The best thing to do is to get your own BP reader ( easy to get at any drugstore ) and do yours at home. Do them often so you can see what the real number is.
Remember one high reading ( yours was not high just higher than a young person would expect) is not an issue. It is the long term condition of having high BP that will affect your vital organs.
But since your one reading was not where a Dr. would like it -it would be smart to follow up and get some more readings.

Answer 4

The numbers actually refer to the height in mm that Mercury will rise due to the pressure in your blood (not that you would ever connect your blood stream to anything with mercury in!). The two numbers:

140 - Systolic pressure - Your blood pressure when your heart beats.
90 - Diastolic pressure - Your blood pressure when your heart rests.

Apparently these values indicate a slightly high blood pressure, but that could be down to stress or the like. Nothing to worry about too much, but look at ways to reduce your blood pressure - what you eat can often affect this greatly.

Answer 5

140/90 is not borderline high blood pressure

160 or 95 are

the 140 is the pressure your heart pumps out into the arteries while the 90 is the relaxed pressure in between beats

it is quite usual to get a slightly higher reading at the doctors surgery as you are usually slightly anxious

so relax you are fine

Answer 6

The 140 should be ok if you are around 40 yrs old. If 30 about 130 is better. Ideal for someone in their twentys is 120 over 80. Yours is a bit on the moderate side but not high. Just dont worry but have it checked again in 6 months or so.

Answer 7

Measuring your blood pressure needs to give accurate readings if it is to be worthwhile. You may have been advised to measure your blood pressure at home in order to get a more accurate record or your readings

The following information is from the Blood Pressure Association's fact sheet "Measuring Your Blood Pressure at Home"

Many people with high blood pressure measure their blood pressure at home, in between visits to their doctor or nurse. Some people may also be asked by their doctor or nurse to take measurements at home for a short period of time to find out whether they have high blood pressure or not.
There is a wide range of blood pressure monitors available to buy and choosing the right one is important to make sure you get accurate readings. It is also important that you know how to take readings, what to do with the results and what might affect the readings.

Answer 8

140/90 is borderline high blood pressure

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

Answer 9

Daisy 519 is right. but it also depends on your age and any medical condition

Answer 10

Denise!! HI!! im not really sure, but i have the same exact numbers...and that is because of my heart ; (