Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is an important vital sign that can give insight into the health of your heart, blood vessels and how efficiently blood circulates through your body. Its measured in two numbers, with the systolic pressure (the top number) indicating pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and diastolic pressure (bottom number) measuring pressure between heartbeats.
What Do The Numbers Mean?
According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading for most healthy adults should be less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for systolic pressure and less than 80 mm Hg for diastolic pressure. This is typically written as 120/80 mm Hg.
So in the blood pressure reading of 90 of 54, the 90 refers to the systolic pressure and the 54 refers to the diastolic pressure in mm Hg.
Is 90/54 Good or Bad?
In most cases, a blood pressure reading of 90/54 is considered a good, healthy reading. Having blood pressure on the lower end is associated with numerous health benefits and a reduced risk of problems.
However, for some individuals this reading may be too low and could potentially indicate an underlying medical condition that should be evaluated.
The Benefits of Lower Blood Pressure
Maintaining a lower blood pressure within a healthy range provides many advantages. Benefits of having a reading like 90 of 54 may include:
- Reduced risk of heart attack or stroke
- Decreased strain on the heart
- Better circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
- Lower likelihood of artery and organ damage over time
- Added protection for the brain against cognitive impairment
Plus, those with already high blood pressure can work with their doctor to implement lifestyle changes to try to naturally lower it closer to more optimal numbers like 90 over 54.
Contributing Lifestyle Factors
Some aspects of a person's lifestyle that may help support lower blood pressure include:
- Following an eating plan high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Reducing sodium intake to avoid fluid retention
- Maintaining a lean weight to avoid obesity
- Exercising regularly to keep the heart strong
- Managing stress levels through techniques like yoga and meditation
- Not smoking due to toxins that damage blood vessels
When Low Blood Pressure Causes Concern
While blood pressure in the lower range is healthy for most people, readings that are too low can sometimes indicate an underlying problem that may require treatment.
Symptoms of Concern
Some symptoms that may accompany numbers like 90 over 54 and be causes for concern include:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially upon standing
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue, lack of energy or weakness
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
Who's Most at Risk
While a blood pressure reading in the lower range is normal for most healthy people, it can indicate a problem for some groups including:
- Pregnant women
- Heart patients using medications
- Those who've lost a lot of blood from surgery, injury or internal bleeding
- People with nutritional deficiencies
- Some elderly patients who also experience symptoms
Those with adrenal gland disorders, heart conditions and nervous system damage or disorders may also be impacted.
Potential Causes
Some possible causes that could lead to readings like 90 over 54 being too low for an individual include:
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications like diuretics or beta blockers
- Low blood sugar
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Heart problems or artery damage
- Endocrine disorders
If problematic symptoms accompany a reading this low, its important to follow up with a doctor to determine if an underlying condition requires treatment.
Tips for Managing Low Blood Pressure
If low numbers like 90 over 54 make you prone to symptoms like dizziness and fainting, there are some simple things you can do to help minimize problems:
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-containing drinks like coconut water to avoid dehydration and maintain blood volume.
Increase Salt Intake Cautiously
Consuming more sodium can encourage fluid retention, but talk to your doctor before significantly changing salt intake.
Wear Compression Stockings
Special stockings improve circulation to help blood return to the heart and brain.
Sit or Lie Down When Dizzy
If you feel lightheaded, sit or lie with feet elevated to stabilize your blood pressure.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
Avoid Triggers
Steer clear of things that seem to make your blood pressure drop like hot tubs, saunas, hot weather and standing for long periods.
Implementing some of these easy tips can help minimize issues from low blood pressure. But if problems persist, your doctor may adjust medications or provide additional treatment recommendations.
FAQs
Is a blood pressure of 90/54 good or bad?
In most cases, 90/54 is a good, healthy blood pressure reading. Lower blood pressure reduces strain on the heart and risk of problems. But it may be too low for some people and cause symptoms.
What are the benefits of lower blood pressure?
Benefits include lower risks of heart disease, organ damage and cognitive issues. It also puts less strain on the heart with better circulation.
When is 90/54 considered too low?
It may be too low if symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, rapid breathing and cold skin accompany it. Certain groups like pregnant women and heart patients are more at risk.
How can I manage low blood pressure?
Tips to minimize issues with lower pressure include staying hydrated, compression stockings to improve circulation, exercising regularly and avoiding triggers like hot weather.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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