The other day I was asked an important and interesting question:
“Dr. Sam – I have borderline high blood pressure and my wife typically has low blood pressure, what’s worst for your health?”
So, the fast answer is that in the “short run”, it’s low blood pressure. In the long run, it’s high blood pressure. But, let me quickly explain…
What Do The Numbers Mean
To understand blood pressure reading, it is important to understand what blood pressure is. As you already know, the heart pumps blood through the chambers of the heart, then it goes to the vessels to transport the blood throughout the body with the circulatory system.
Your blood pressure measures the pumping action of the heart. The top number reading is known as the systolic blood pressure, it is the force exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart contracts to pump oxygenated blood. The bottom reading is diastolic blood pressure. It is the pressure reading when the heart is resting in between beats.
| Category | Systolic BP(top) | Diastolic BP (bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Hypotension (low) | 50 – 59 mmHg | 33 – 39 mmHg |
| Serious Hypotension (low) | 60 – 89 mmHg | 40 – 49 mmHg |
| Borderline Hypotension (low) | 90 – 109 mmgHg | 50 – 69 mmHg |
| Normal Blood Pressure</thd | 110 – 119 mmHg | 60 – 79 mmHg |
| Prehypertension (high) | 120 – 139 mmHg | 80 – 89 mmHg |
| Stage 1 Hypertension (high) | 140 – 159 mmHg | 90 – 99 mmHg |
| Stage 2 Hypertension (high) | 160 – 180 mmHg | 100 – 110 mmHg |
| Hypertensive Crisis (high) | Higher than 180 mmHg | Higher than 110 mmHg |
Signs and Symptoms of Hypotension and Hypertension
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Normal, Low & High
Ideally, you want your blood pressure to fall within the normal range, most of the day.
However, those who suffer from stress, anxiety, high cholesterol, obesity and the like, have increased risk of having a high blood pressure and in severe cases it can lead to heart attack or stroke.
On the other end, some people suffer from low blood pressure due to certain diseases or conditions, this can lead to shock or even worse – death.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure is alarming because it can be very life threatening if prompt medical attention is not rendered. The causes range from dehydration, blood loss, and some surgical disorders. It is manageable as long as the origin of the condition is determined and properly treated.
BOTTOM LINE: In the short run, low BP is worse because you can go into shock and die. Or simply pass out and if it’s while driving or something similar, could result in death or bad accident. However, this is more extreme and rare.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Blood pressure constantly changes throughout the day depending on the level of activity, physical, and emotional status. If your blood pressure is elevated and stays elevated throughout the day and continues for a few days or weeks, then it’s something to be concerned about.
Something interesting to note is that the older you get, the higher the blood pressure typically becomes and this is due to a variety of lifestyle reasons (poor diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, etc.). However, the primary cause/reason for higher blood pressure as you age, is due to the negative changes in your hormones.
But don’t worry, there’s hope. I discuss this in further detail at my website because I have a family history of hypertension.
BOTTOM LINE: High blood pressure is a problem when it’s consistent and ongoing because of the pressure it puts on your organs (heart, brain, kidneys, etc.) and the end result could be a heart attack or stroke. Thus, in the long-run, high blood pressure is worse.
Summary
I would rather have your blood pressure be more on the low side than high. In fact, you’ll live longer having lower blood pressure, than higher. However, the real problem is if it’s SO low, that it can result in shock, you pass out, and could die. But, this is rare. Simply make sure you drink more water, keep your blood pressure stable, and have some extra minerals in your diet (salt, magnesium, calcium, etc.).
High blood pressure is a SLOW killer of your arteries and organs. Eventually, if untreated, can lead to a heart attack or stroke. And the main problem with hypertension is that the older you get, the higher it becomes – despite even an improved lifestyle of eating better, exercise, and so forth.
This is exactly what’s happened with my own parents. They’re in their 80s and are probably eating the best they have in maybe 50 years. Yet, due to aging and negative changes in their hormones, they’ve been dealing with high blood pressure for years.
Luckily, I got them off the pressure drugs and have lowered it naturally.
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