Blood Pressure: The Highs, Lows and What To Know

Your heart beats, pushing blood through your arteries to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. The force of this push against the artery walls is your blood pressure. 

It’s a vital sign of health that many people don’t think about until it’s too high or too low. Understanding your blood pressure numbers is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. 

This is especially true in our community. In northwest Ohio, nearly 250,000 adults have high blood pressure. Statewide, more than a third of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension. 

That’s why we’re here to help you navigate this common yet potentially life-threatening condition. 

What do your blood pressure numbers mean? 

A blood pressure reading includes two numbers, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg): 

• Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. 

• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. 

Normal readings are typically less than 120/80 mm Hg. These numbers can fluctuate based on activity, stress or even what you’ve eaten. However, consistently high or low readings may signal an underlying health issue that needs attention. 

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The Silent Risk 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no obvious symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it. Yet, uncontrolled hypertension quietly damages arteries, the heart and other organs. It’s a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. 

When blood pressure is consistently high, it forces the heart to work harder, which can lead to serious complications. 

Given that nearly one-third of adults in Ohio have high blood pressure, proactive management is key. 

Managing High Blood Pressure 

The good news is that hypertension is highly manageable. Lifestyle changes can make a significant impact: 

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Reducing sodium intake is especially important. 

• Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly to maintain cardiovascular health. 

• Achieve a healthy weight. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower blood pressure. 

• Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Both habits can raise blood pressure and damage arteries. 

• Manage stress effectively. Try stress-relief methods like exercise, mindfulness or hobbies. 

In many cases, medication is also necessary. A health care provider can prescribe the right medication to help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. About 52% of those diagnosed with high blood pressure are taking medication to control it, which is a positive step toward better community health. 

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): When the Numbers Drop 

While high blood pressure gets most of the attention, low blood pressure, or hypotension, can also be a concern. For some, naturally low blood pressure is normal and doesn’t cause problems. However, for others, a sudden drop or chronically low readings can lead to noticeable symptoms. 

Hypotension is generally defined as a reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg. When blood pressure is too low, vital organs may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. 

Symptoms and Effects of Low Blood Pressure 

Unlike hypertension, low blood pressure often comes with clear symptoms. These may include: 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness. 

• Fainting (syncope). 

• Blurred or fading vision. 

• Nausea. 

• Fatigue. 

• Lack of concentration. 

• Cold, clammy, pale skin. 

• Rapid, shallow breathing. 

These symptoms can result from dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, pregnancy or underlying medical conditions like heart problems or endocrine disorders. A sudden, significant drop in blood pressure can be dangerous and may lead to shock, a life-threatening condition. 

When To Seek Medical Treatment  

Knowing your numbers is the first step. The next is knowing when to act. Regular checkups with your primary care physician are essential for monitoring blood pressure. However, some symptoms require immediate attention. 

Seek medical care if you experience: 

• Extremely high blood pressure readings (180/120 mm Hg or higher), especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking. This is a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical evaluation. 

• Symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. While it might just be a brief spell, it’s important to determine the cause. 

• Sudden, unexplained symptoms like severe headaches, confusion or visual disturbances, which could be related to blood pressure. 

Get Immediate Care for High or Low Blood Pressure 

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care provides patients with quality care and services. Staff are ER-trained to determine patient conditions, and patients only pay for the level of service they receive - either ER or urgent care. The emergency department is open 24/7 and the urgent care clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. You don't need an appointment. All walk-ins are welcome. 

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is located at 1075 Medical Center Parkway, Maumee, Ohio 43537.