For example, call if:Ĭall your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: If it's still high or low, use the following guidance.Ĭall 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. If you take your blood pressure and it is out of the normal range, wait a few minutes and take it again. One high or low blood pressure reading by itself may not mean you need to call for help. When should you get help for an abnormal blood pressure reading? Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.Ī low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. What can cause a short-term change in blood pressure? A blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 is normal as long as you feel okay. In general, the lower your blood pressure, the better. If you have diabetes, it should be less than 130/80 ("130 over 80"). If you are 80 years and older, it should be less than 150/90 (“150 over 90”). Your blood pressure should be less than 140/90 ("140 over 90"). Someone with a systolic pressure of 117 and a diastolic pressure of 78 has a blood pressure of 117/78, or "117 over 78."īlood pressure that is too high increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. This information can help you understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and when you need to call for help.
If you check your blood pressure, you may wonder when an abnormal reading means you should call your doctor. to 5:00 p.m., or you can Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian. You may also call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered dietitian, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. HealthLink BC File #68b Lifestyle Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure.For information on healthy eating for lowering your blood pressure, see: Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your blood pressure and improve your health. For more information on hypertension, visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Hypertension Canada. People suffering from other illnesses will have different target normal values. This figure is different for people with diabetes whose blood pressure should be below 130/80 mmHg. A reading of more than 140/90 mmHg taken at your healthcare provider’s office may indicate high blood pressure. The systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) are written as a ratio, for example (120/80 mmHg). Your blood pressure reading is based on two measurements called systolic and diastolic. This damage can cause a heart attack, stroke or other health problems. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can damage your blood vessels, heart and kidneys.