I one hundred percent agree with this, I managed to get my primary doctor to understand that 118/ 48 was too low and I was getting dizzy. We're working on eliminating one BP pill at a time
😁 I already feel better
April 26
Great question! Blood pressure targets can feel a little confusing, especially as we get older. Here's a straightforward breakdown of blood pressure categories that apply to most adults, including seniors:
- Normal: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly elevated: Top number between 120–129 mm Hg
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: ( Show Full Answer
Great question! Blood pressure targets can feel a little confusing, especially as we get older. Here's a straightforward breakdown of blood pressure categories that apply to most adults, including seniors:
- Normal: Below 120/80 mm Hg
- Slightly elevated: Top number between 120–129 mm Hg
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) mm Hg
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
- Emergency range: 180/120 mm Hg or higher — seek medical help immediately For people living with heart disease, the general goal is to keep blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg, according to the American Heart Association.
It's always best to confirm your personal target with your doctor, as they may adjust the goal based on your specific health history. One helpful tip — monitoring blood pressure at home can actually give a more accurate picture than a single reading at the doctor's office. Something called "white-coat syndrome" can cause readings to spike due to anxiety during a visit.
For the most reliable home readings:
- Rest quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Take readings twice a day over 5–7 days
- Take two readings, one minute apart each time
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, or exercise 30 minutes beforehand
- Sit still with the cuff directly on your skin
April 25
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