What is the Difference Between Hypertension and Hypotension?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Hypertension and hypotension are two conditions related to blood pressure that can have significant impacts on a person's health. They differ in the force of blood against the artery walls and require monitoring and treatment when consistently outside the normal range.
Hypertension is characterized by:
- A systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg
- A diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg
Hypotension is characterized by:
- A low blood pressure reading, with a systolic value typically below 90 mm Hg
- A diastolic value below 60 mm Hg
Symptoms of hypertension may include severe headaches, fatigue or confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and blood in the urine. Hypotension symptoms may include unsteadiness, dimming or blurring of vision, weakness, fatigue, nausea, cold, clammy skin, and fainting.
Risk factors for developing hypertension and hypotension can vary. Hypertension risk factors include age, gender, family history, race, and lifestyle factors such as being overweight. While hypotension is more common in certain medical conditions, it is also linked to dehydration and certain medications.
To monitor and treat these conditions, it is essential to maintain proper blood pressure readings. This involves avoiding certain habits before measuring blood pressure, maintaining proper posture, taking multiple readings, and measuring blood pressure consistently at the same time each day. Consult your healthcare professional if you suspect you have hypertension or hypotension, and follow their recommendations for treatment and management.
Comparative Table: Hypertension vs Hypotension
Hypertension and hypotension are two conditions related to blood pressure in the arteries. Here is a table summarizing their differences:
| Condition | Blood Pressure Range | Symptoms | Causes/Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | Systolic pressure consistently at or above 130 mm Hg, or diastolic pressure at or above 80 mm Hg | Often asymptomatic, but can include headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath | Genetic factors, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and certain medications |
| Hypotension | Systolic pressure below 90 mm Hg and diastolic pressure below 60 mm Hg | Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and fainting | Dehydration, blood loss, certain medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, diabetes), and medications |
Monitoring and managing blood pressure is essential for overall health, as both high and low blood pressure can lead to serious health issues.
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