High or low blood pressure: how to differentiate the symptoms?

One way to differentiate between the symptoms of high blood pressure and low blood pressure is that, with low blood pressure, it is more common to feel weak and faint, while with high blood pressure it is more common to experience palpitations or a persistent headache. .

However, the most effective way to differentiate is to measure blood pressure at home, using an electronic device, or at the pharmacy.

In the presence of frequent signs and symptoms that possibly indicate high or low blood pressure, it is important that a cardiologist or general practitioner is consulted so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Symptoms of high and low blood pressure

Symptoms that can help distinguish high blood pressure from low blood pressure include:

There are also cases where a feeling of fainting appears, but this is associated with a drop in blood sugar levels, and is easily confused with a drop in blood pressure. See how to differentiate low blood pressure from hypoglycemia.

See, in the following video with Dr. Ronaldo Gismondi, how to measure blood pressure:

How to know if it is high or low blood pressure

In addition to evaluating symptoms, it is important to measure blood pressure to know if it is high or low:

To find out if your blood pressure is normal or high, please enter the data into our calculator:

What to do in case of high blood pressure

In case of high blood pressure, you should drink a glass of orange juice and try to calm down, as orange helps regulate blood pressure as it is diuretic and rich in potassium and magnesium. If you are taking any medication for high blood pressure prescribed by your doctor, you must take it.

If after 1 hour the pressure is still high, that is, higher than 140 x 90 mmHg, it is advisable to go to the hospital to take medication to lower the pressure, through a vein.

What to do in case of low blood pressure

In cases of low blood pressure, it is important to lie down in a cool place and keep your legs elevated, loosen your clothes and elevate your legs, in order to increase blood circulation to the brain and regulate blood pressure.

When the symptoms of low blood pressure pass, the person can get up normally, however, they should rest and avoid making sudden movements.