How long does it take for blood pressure to return to normal?

High blood pressure (HBP) is a fairly common health issue in the US, with 75 million adults currently diagnosed with this condition.

HBP occurs when blood regularly flows through the veins at a high rate of pressure. This condition is also referred to as hypertension.

High blood pressure is sometimes called ‘the silent killer’ because it often has no symptoms. Even though this condition is asymptomatic, it is still important for you to get checked regularly, as HBP can lead to a number of other potentially serious health problems.

Medication is almost always an option to lower your blood pressure. However, there are also many ways to lower your BP without the help of a prescription medication.

How To Lower Blood Pressure Without Medication

It’s normal for your BP to fluctuate throughout the day. Excitement, being active, sleeping and waking up are all situations where blood pressure changes naturally. When your activity ends, your BP reading should return to a normal range.

A normal blood pressure is usually defined as systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure below 80mmHg. Systolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure from your heart beats. Diastolic pressure is when the heart is at rest between beats. Unfortunately there is no cure for high blood pressure currently, but you can take steps to manage it even without medication. Here are 7 ways to lower your blood pressure naturally:

• Exercise! Regular exercise is great for your overall well-being, and it can also help with lowering your BP. Regular exercise keeps your heart strong and healthy. Plus, it’s a natural stress reliever, and stress is a common cause of high blood pressure.
• Change your diet. Diets high in fatty, sodium-rich foods are detrimental to your blood pressure. Choose diets high in fruits and vegetables, lean meats, high fiber and whole grains.
• Maintain your weight. Watching your weight and maintaining a healthy weight for your body will reduce the amount of strain on your heart, and help regulate BP.
• Limit sodium intake. Sodium occurs naturally in many foods, but most processed food contains added sodium. Look for food items with low or no sodium to reduce overall intake and help lower HPB.
• Lower your stress levels. You can work to reduce stress levels through meditation, finding an enjoyable hobby, exercising, or anything else that helps you relax.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can raise your BP, so watch your consumption if you drink.
• Stop Smoking. Smoking cessation isn’t just good for lowering BP; it offers many additional health benefits such as healthier lungs and a lower chance of developing heart disease.

Risk Factors

Blood pressure typically increases with age.  It’s estimated that over 70% of US Seniors have high blood pressure.  The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for blood pressure by age recommends men and women, age 65 or older, aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

Some people are more prone to developing high BP than others for other reasons too.  Certain lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of developing HBP.   Lowering your blood pressure is especially helpful if you have one or more risk factors for HBP.  People most at risk for developing HBP are:

• Women (especially over age 65)
• African-Americans
• People with family history of HPB
• People with diet high in sodium
• People with obesity or inactive lifestyles
• Heavy drinkers

Some factors, such as gender, ethnicity, and family history cannot be controlled. That’s why changing the factors you can control is important!

Why Lowering Your BP Matters

Over time, high blood pressure can lead to an array of health complications. HBP does not have symptoms, so it’s especially important to visit your primary physician on a regular basis. They will be able to determine if your blood pressure is abnormal and prescribe a treatment plan for you.

HPB can lead to:

• Kidney damage
• Stroke
• Damage to your heart and arteries
• Memory loss
• Angina
• Peripheral Artery Disease
• Vision loss

When to Seek Emergency Care

High blood pressure causes damage to your organs over time. However, it’s possible for BP to rise suddenly and cause what is called a hypertensive crisis. Hypertensive crises can manifest as either hypertensive urgency or hypertensive emergency.

When checking your blood pressure, measurements over 180 for systolic and 120 for diastolic are warning flags. Wait a few minutes before you check again. If readings still exceed 180/120, then this is indicative of a hypertensive emergency.

If left unchecked, a hypertensive emergency may have severe consequences. Possible outcomes of uncontrollable high blood pressure include:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Aortic dissection
• Eclampsia
• Pulmonary edema

Seek medical attention immediately if your readings exceed 180/120. This amount of pressure can be damaging to organs and cause potentially serious conditions. If you are seeking help for controlling your high blood pressure, please visit our Primary Care Doctors library and schedule an appointment to discuss your options.

How blood pressure is controlled

When the heart contracts, the blood inside the left ventricle is forced out into the aorta and arteries. The blood then enters small vessels with muscular walls, called arterioles. The tone in the muscular walls of the arterioles determines how relaxed or constricted they are. If narrowed, they resist flow. Reduced flow of blood is detected in the brain, the kidneys and elsewhere. Nerve reflexes are stimulated and hormones are then produced. The heart is induced to beat more forcefully so that blood pressure is maintained at a higher level, to overcome the restricted flow through the arterioles. The achievement of good flow (now at high pressure) eases possible problems for function of the brain and kidneys.

These adjustments occur normally. However, in some people the adjustments become fixed and high blood pressure persists. These people have developed hypertension.

How blood pressure is measured

Hypertension can be mild, moderate or severe. Your blood pressure is naturally higher when you are exerting yourself, such as during physical exercise. It is only a concern if your blood pressure is high when you are at rest, because this means your heart is overworked and your arteries have extra stress in their walls.

Blood pressure readings are a combination of two measurements. These are:

• Systolic – is the highest pressure against the arteries as the heart pumps. The normal systolic pressure is usually between 110 and 130mmHg.
• Diastolic – is the pressure against the arteries as the heart relaxes and fills with blood. The normal diastolic pressure is usually between 70 and 80mmHg.

Sphygmomanometer

Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer.

• An inflatable pressure bag is wrapped around the upper arm. The bag is connected to the sphygmomanometer. The operator pumps up the bag with air until the circulation of the arm’s main artery is interrupted.
• The pressure in the bag is then slowly released until it equals the systolic pressure in the artery, indicated by blood once again moving through the vessel. This makes a ‘thumping’ sound. The systolic pressure is indicated on the sphygmomanometer and recorded.
• The blood pressure in the arm’s main artery drops to equal the lowest pressure, which is the diastolic pressure. This is the pressure at which the thumping sound is no longer heard. This figure is also recorded.
• The operator may take numerous readings to get the true picture. This is because many people tend to ‘tense up’ during the procedure and nervous tension may temporarily boost the blood pressure.
• The accuracy of electronic measuring and recording of both systolic and diastolic pressures is replacing manual and auditory blood pressure recording.

Most people with hypertension feel okay

Hypertension usually does not produce any symptoms, because the organs of the body can resist high blood pressure for a long time. That’s why it’s important to have regular medical examinations to make sure your blood pressure isn’t creeping up as you grow older.

High blood pressure over a period of time can contribute to many illnesses, including:

• heart attack
• heart failure
• kidney disease
• stroke.

An unhealthy lifestyle can cause hypertension

Some of the factors which can contribute to high blood pressure include:

• hereditary factors
• obesity
• lack of exercise
• a diet high in salt
• heavy drinking
• kidney disease.

The effects of high blood pressure on the arteries are worsened by:

• cigarette smoking
• high levels of saturated fat in the diet
• high blood cholesterol
• diabetes.

Responses to some types of stress may affect both blood pressure and changes in the arteries, but this remains scientifically uncertain.

Some drugs may cause hypertension

Certain drugs can cause hypertension or make controlling hypertension more difficult. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives. These drugs include:

• the combined contraceptive pill
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• some nasal drops and sprays
• some cough medicines, eye drops and appetite suppressants.

Blood pressure and ageing

With advancing years, the arteries tend to become more rigid (less elastic). This may change a person’s blood pressure pattern, with a higher systolic pressure and a lower diastolic pressure. The higher systolic pressure is important because it can further accelerate the rigidity of the arteries. This state is referred to as ‘isolated systolic hypertension’. Although these changes are due to ageing, this is not a normal state and may need medication to control the systolic pressures.

Making healthier choices

Two out of five people can successfully lower their blood pressure by making adjustments to their lifestyle. For example, a low-fat diet and giving up cigarette smoking will reduce the damaging effects of hypertension on the arteries. Some healthy lifestyle choices include:

• Maintain your weight within the healthy range.
• Eat a high-fibre, low-fat and low-salt diet.
• Give up smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Exercise regularly.

See your doctor before you start any new exercise program.

Antihypertensive medications

In most cases, it is necessary to take antihypertensive medication as well. Usually hypertensive medication is introduced at low doses. The dose may be gradually increased if needed. A second or even a third drug may be added to achieve good blood pressure control. Not many people experience unpleasant side effects.

Any drug treatment for hypertension needs to be monitored carefully by your doctor. You should never alter the dose of your hypertension medication or stop taking it without consulting with your doctor. Medications don’t cure the condition and most of the people who need to take antihypertensive drugs will do so for the rest of their lives.

Where to get help

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