Blood Pressure Guide For All Ages
Regular blood pressure checks help prevent disease and maintain health as we age.
Blood Pressure Guide For All Ages
According to our partners at The British Heart Foundation, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through your arteries—the vessels that transport blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
We all need a certain amount of pressure to keep our blood flowing. A healthy blood pressure falls between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is the only reliable way to detect whether it’s too high or too low, which could lead to health issues if left unmanaged.
What to Expect from a Blood Pressure Test
- The test involves a digital monitor and an arm cuff.
- The cuff is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated.
- You may feel brief tightness, but it’s painless and only lasts a few seconds.
- Stay relaxed, seated upright, with feet flat on the floor for best accuracy.
- Results will show instantly, typically as two numbers.
- You can record your results regularly and share them with your GP when needed.
Right at Home CareGivers are fully trained to help monitor your blood pressure at home.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is shown as two numbers measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury):
- Systolic pressure (top number): When your heart beats and pushes blood out.
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): When your heart rests between beats.
For example:
120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80” — a healthy and normal blood pressure reading.
What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
Low blood pressure is usually not dangerous but can cause:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting or blurred vision
- Nausea or weakness
- Confusion
Below 90/60 mmHg is considered low.
If you experience symptoms, contact your GP.
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure means your heart is working harder than normal to pump blood. It’s serious and often has no symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
Untreated, high blood pressure can lead to:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Vision loss (e.g. glaucoma)
- Vascular dementia
For people under 80: 140/90 mmHg or higher is high
For those 80 and over: 150/90 mmHg or higher is high
Sudden Drops in Blood Pressure
Sudden dips in blood pressure are known as orthostatic hypotension, which may occur due to:
- Dehydration
- Prolonged bed rest
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Neurological conditions
- Overheating
It’s usually harmless but should be discussed with your doctor if it happens often.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Small lifestyle changes can make a big impact:
- Stay active: Regular movement keeps your heart strong.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces strain on the heart.
- Limit alcohol: Keep it to under 14 units a week.
- Eat less salt: High salt = higher pressure.
- Manage stress: Relaxation techniques can help.
- Stop smoking: Lowers blood pressure fast.
- Sleep well: Aim for 7–9 hours per night.
Our Right at Home CareGivers can support you by:
- Creating lifestyle plans
- Encouraging daily activity
- Preparing healthy meals
- Offering ongoing emotional and practical support
How it works
Your path to personalised care in just a few simple steps.
Need Assistant for your need?
At Orcone Care, we understand that everyone’s needs are unique. Whether it’s support with daily routines, companionship, or specialized care, our team is here to assist you with warmth, respect, and reliability. From a few hours a week to full-time care, we tailor our services to suit your lifestyle—because your comfort and wellbeing come first.
FAQs – Blood Pressure Guide For All Ages Service
A normal blood pressure reading is typically between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Readings within this range indicate that your heart and blood vessels are working efficiently.
If you have no known health issues, checking your blood pressure once every 6–12 months is usually enough. If you have high or low blood pressure, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring, even daily in some cases.
Yes! You can use a home blood pressure monitor with an arm cuff. Make sure you’re seated, relaxed, and follow the instructions carefully for an accurate reading. Our CareGivers are also trained to help with home readings.
If your reading is outside the normal range, don’t panic—but do contact your GP for further advice, especially if you feel unwell or have persistent symptoms. Sudden spikes or drops may need immediate medical attention.
Absolutely. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reduced salt and alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and getting enough rest and relaxation can all significantly improve or maintain healthy blood pressure levels over time.
