Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.Ī low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. What can cause a short-term change in blood pressure? A blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 is normal as long as you feel okay. In general, the lower your blood pressure, the better. footnote 1 If you have diabetes, it should be less than 130/80 ("130 over 80"). Your blood pressure should be less than 140/90 ("140 over 90"). Someone with a systolic pressure of 117 and a diastolic pressure of 78 has a blood pressure of 117/78, or "117 over 78."īlood pressure that is too high increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. This information can help you understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and when you need to call for help. May 21, 2021.If you check your blood pressure, you may wonder when an abnormal reading means you should call your doctor. Measurement of blood pressure in humans: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Applied Health Economics and Health Policy. Screen time and health indicators among children and youth: Current evidence, limitations and future directions. Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Evaluation of hypertension in children and adolescents. Pediatric hypertension: Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. Definition and diagnosis of hypertension in children and adolescents. In: Hypertension: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease. High blood pressure caused by another condition can sometimes be controlled, or even prevented, by managing the condition that's causing it. High blood pressure can be prevented in children by making the same lifestyle changes that can help treat it - controlling your child's weight, providing a healthy diet low in salt (sodium) and encouraging your child to exercise. If your child's high blood pressure continues into adulthood, your child could be at risk of: Cocaine, methamphetamine and similar drugsĬhildren who have high blood pressure are likely to continue to have high blood pressure as adults unless they begin treatment.Certain drugs and medications, including those used to relieve a stuffy nose (decongestants), stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), caffeine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.Sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea.Narrowing of the artery to the kidney (renal artery stenosis).Heart problems, such as severe narrowing (coarctation) of the aorta.Other causes of high blood pressure include: Secondary hypertension is caused by another condition. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.Having type 2 diabetes or a high fasting blood sugar level.Having a family history of high blood pressure.The risk factors for developing primary hypertension include: This type of high blood pressure occurs more often in children age 6 and older. Primary hypertension occurs on its own, without an identifiable cause. Your child's risk factors for high blood pressure depend on health conditions, genetics and lifestyle factors. This type of high blood pressure occurs on its own, without an underlying condition. Older children - especially those who are overweight - are more likely to have primary hypertension. High blood pressure in younger children is often related to other health conditions, such as heart defects, kidney disease, genetic conditions or hormonal disorders. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes