Blood pressure is a vital parameter when it comes to assessing one’s cardiovascular health. It measures the pressure with which blood flows through your arteries and veins.

High blood pressure is a well-known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. However, low blood pressure can also be harmful in certain circumstances. So, which is more hazardous – a small or large blood pressure reading?.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the force with which blood travels through your arteries. It is measured in two numbers – systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.

The systolic pressure is the higher number, indicating the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the lower number, indicating the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest.

Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is usually defined as a reading that is less than 90/60 mmHg.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as a reading that is 130/80 mmHg or higher.

What are the Dangers of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure is high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels and organs, increasing your risk of developing the following conditions:.

Heart attack
Heart failure
Stroke
Kidney disease
Vascular dementia

High blood pressure can also cause damage to your blood vessels, leading to the build-up of plaque and narrowing of the arteries.

This can reduce blood flow to your organs and increase your risk of developing peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and vision loss.

What are the Dangers of Low Blood Pressure?

While high blood pressure is widely known to be dangerous, low blood pressure can also have negative health effects. When your blood pressure is too low, it can cause the following symptoms:.

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Blurred vision
Confusion

In some cases, low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as bleeding, infection, or a heart condition. If you are experiencing persistent low blood pressure, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause.

Which is More Hazardous – High or Low Blood Pressure?

Both high and low blood pressure can be hazardous to your health if left uncontrolled. However, high blood pressure is generally considered to be more dangerous than low blood pressure.

This is because high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death in the world.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 31% of all global deaths.

Low blood pressure, on the other hand, is generally considered to be less of a health risk, as long as it is not accompanied by symptoms or underlying medical conditions.

In fact, some people naturally have lower blood pressure than others, and they are not necessarily at an increased risk of health problems.

How Can You Control Your Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, there are several lifestyle changes and medications that can help you bring it under control. Some of these include:.

Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Reducing your salt intake
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Taking prescribed medications

If you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure or have been diagnosed with hypotension, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help increase your blood pressure. These can include:.

Increasing your salt intake
Drinking more fluids
Wearing compression stockings
Gradually standing up from a seated or lying position
Taking prescribed medications

The Bottom Line

Both high and low blood pressure can be hazardous to your health if left uncontrolled. However, high blood pressure is generally considered to be more dangerous than low blood pressure because of its association with heart disease and stroke.

It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor if you are experiencing persistent high or low readings.

Making lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications can help you bring your blood pressure under control and reduce your risk of associated health problems.