Dangerous Blood Pressure Numbers

Dangerous blood pressure numbers may be caused by age, family history or personal behaviors such as lack of exercise or a high-sodium diet. Blood pressure numbers that are not maintained at a healthy level may lead to serious health consequences and require prompt treatment by a physician.

Types

According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure (hypertension) has two stages. Stage 1 hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 to 159/99 and requires medical treatment to avoid complications.

Types

Stage 2 hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 160/100 and higher and requires prompt treatment with medication as well as behavioral changes to avoid medical problems.

Types

According to the Mayo Clinic, low blood pressure (hypotension) that is less than 90/60 can also be dangerous and result in fainting or shock.

Significance

According to the Centers for Disease Control, dangerous blood pressure numbers can lead to a heart attack or stroke, which were the first and third leading killers of Americans in 2005.

Time Frame

According to the Mayo Clinic, dangerous blood pressure numbers may build over time or may be a sudden response to a medication, illness or infection in the body.

Prevention/Solution

According to the National Institutes of Health, dangerous blood pressure numbers can be prevented by healthy diets and daily exercise along with taking medications that control blood pressure levels.

Warning

Uncontrolled blood pressure that remains at dangerous levels can cause significant and permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain.