Is High or Low Blood Pressure More Dangerous?

When it comes to blood pressure, questions have been posed on whether high or low is more dangerous. It is a question that has been debated for many years. 

Some people believe that high pressure is the root of all evil regarding heart health. Others think low pressure can be just as harmful, if not more so. 

So, which is it? Which type of pressure has more negative effects on a person’s health? Which of them can prove fatal?

Let’s examine the facts and determine which type is more dangerous.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood Running Through Our Bodies

Before we go into high and low pressures, let’s first learn about this important pressure essential to our lives.

Everyone knows that we have blood running through our bodies. Many people think that blood is the fuel for our bodies. It is a misconception. Food and nutrients are the fuel that our bodies need to get going every day.

With that said, though, it doesn’t diminish how vital blood is. Blood circulation is the highway through which these nutrients and oxygen reach all other parts of the body. 

So how does pressure fit into all this? The pressure is the force of the heart that pumps the blood throughout the body.

Measuring This Pressure

When a doctor takes pressure, two numbers are taken into account. These are systolic and diastolic pressure.

Systolic is the pressure at which the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Diastolic is the period of rest between pumping. Readings come as systolic over diastolic pressure and are usually measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Normal ranges for pressure range between 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. Higher pressures have readings at 140/90 mmHg and above. Lower pressures have readings lower than 90/60 mmHg.

Now that we understand a little more, it is time to look at the effects of hitting both the high and low ends of the spectrum.

High Blood Pressure

The Facts

High pressure is most commonly known as hypertension. It is when the force of the blood is very high, pushing it against the artery’s walls. 

In truth, high pressure is a silent killer. People can have high pressure for years without showing any symptoms. However, without the proper care, this can lead to severe complications.

Fortunately, high pressure is easily detected. The trick here is what one does with this information. 

While easily detectable, a recent study on high blood pressure showed that the number of patients afflicted with these conditions has doubled in the past three decades. Currently, at least 1.2 billion individuals have hypertension.

The Causes

Medical Conditions and Aging

There are two types of hypertension, namely primary and secondary.

Primary hypertension does not seem to have a direct cause. Instead, it gradually develops as people grow older. 

On the other hand, secondary hypertension has many associated causes. The causes are usually underlying medical conditions that affect the pressure of blood. One example of the varied causes is kidney diseases, diabetes, and adrenaline gland and thyroid problems.

Medication and Drugs

At the same time, certain medications we take can also significantly raise our pressure. These include birth control pills, pills for pain relief, and even medicine for colds.

Finally, using illegal drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine can also negatively impact the pressure on people’s blood. 

Risk Factors

Apart from these causes, though, several risk factors can increase the chances of hypertension. These include a person’s age, smoking tobacco, lack of physical activity, too much salt, being overweight, stress, and genetics. 

The causes of hypertension are varied and numerous. While it may seem like hypertension is there no matter where you turn, it is controllable, and it all starts with understanding everything that can cause it. 

The Effects

As mentioned previously, hypertension can cause a heart attack or stroke due to the thickening of the arteries. The thicker arteries mean that blood needs to be pumped harder. It can lead to heart failure if it fails to pump hard enough.

Besides heart problems, hypertension can also affect a person’s brain. It can lead to an aneurysm, and if it ruptures, it could prove fatal to the person.

The weakened flow to the brain can also bring about a type of dementia called vascular dementia. It significantly affects a person’s memory and reasoning, among other things.

These are only a few effects that hypertension brings. Others include organ failure, blindness, and metabolic syndrome. 

Low Blood Pressure

The Facts

Low blood pressure is called hypotension on the other end of the spectrum. When hypertension and hypotension are compared, the former is always given more weight. That said, it is essential to make the point that hypotension similarly brings various problems and complications. 

Furthermore, discoveries are being made each day. For instance, research recently found links between hypotension and suicidal thoughts.

The Causes

Medical Conditions and Life Choices

Just like hypertension, many factors contribute to hypotension. These could be as mundane as body position and as serious as underlying medical conditions. 

Things like how long a person is standing or suddenly standing from a seated or lying position are enough to cause pressure to drop. Also included are a person’s diet, stress, and even the time of day. Medications such as antidepressants and those for Parkinson’s are just a couple that contributes to hypotension.

Conditions and Vitamins

Pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy and heart conditions can also cause hypotension. One widespread condition is not having enough fluids in the body.

Another is not having the right vitamins in the body, such as iron and B-12. These vitamins and nutrients ensure that the body is creating enough blood cells. 

The Effects

The most common effects of hypotension include being dizzy, feeling weak, and fainting. This is the reason why hypertension seems to be taken more seriously. 

While initially not as severe as the effects of hypertension, it needs to be considered. If a person faints while walking or when driving, it could cause serious injuries or even death. 

It must be stated that if left unchecked and not maintained well, hypotension could result in complications in the heart and brain. 

The Verdict

On paper, hypertension or high pressure takes the cake. However, high and low blood pressure needs to be treated seriously, especially since it affects everyone as they age.

Caution is always the best approach to living a long and healthy life. Taking care of one’s body, eating the right food, and avoiding stress contribute significantly to controlling one’s blood pressure. 

If you or a loved one start to experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult a doctor immediately. 

At the same time, being trained in first aid will allow you to provide assistance and care if the need arises. 

Learn more about these relevant life-saving practices by taking CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course today. 

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