Is high blood pressure more dangerous than low?

Doctor Hoang Tien Trong Nghia, Head of the Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175 (HCMC), said it is difficult to assess whether low or high blood pressure is more harmful to health.

Concept

High blood pressure is defined as persistent blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. It is often called the “silent killer” because it often has no obvious symptoms until serious complications occur. important.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs when the reading is below 90/60 mm Hg. Although low blood pressure is generally considered less worrying than high blood pressure, it can be dangerous in some situations, especially if it leads to inadequate blood supply to vital organs.

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A “severe” hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mm Hg with signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, numbness or weakness. Many people have vision problems.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness or feeling light-headed, fainting, nausea, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Complications

Long-term high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, increasing the burden on the heart and leading to heart failure. Patients are at risk of stroke because high blood pressure can rupture or block blood vessels in the brain. Many cases of kidney damage and impaired kidney function lead to kidney disease; Damage to the blood vessels in the eye can cause vision impairment.

Severe hypotension can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition where the organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.

When to go to the hospital:

– For high blood pressure: If your reading is 180/120 mm Hg or higher and you have any symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, numbness or weakness…

– For low blood pressure: If you faint or lose consciousness, severe dizziness that does not improve. Cold, clammy skin accompanied by rapid breathing and weak pulse…

In both cases, timely intervention can prevent serious complications and improve health.