In most cases, high blood pressure (hypertension) and an increased pulse (or heart rate) can be found in conjunction. However, some people have a low pulse when they have hypertension. Even though it may appear contradictory, there is generally an underlying cause that may or may not indicate a health problem.
This article will clarify the differences between blood pressure and pulse. Then, I will explain what can lead to someone having high blood pressure with a low pulse and provide some information regarding the relationship between blood pressure and heart rate. At the end of this article, I'll talk about when high blood pressure and a low pulse need to be talked about with your doctor. There is always a way to manage your situation and keep your heart as healthy as possible, regardless of your situation.
Both blood pressure and pulse readings indicate the health of your heart, arteries, and body as a whole. Your blood vessels generate pressure as it moves through them. Elevated blood pressure is higher than 130/80 millimetres of mercury. Clinical office blood pressure readings are used to diagnose hypertension.
You can measure your pulse by counting how often your heart beats per minute. It is usual for a person to have a resting pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Those with resting pulses over 100 beats per minute have tachycardia, while those with resting pulses below 60 beats per minute are said to have bradycardia.
The following factors can cause an increase in heart rate:
Heart rate is usually elevated in people with hypertension. An increased pulse also accompanies hypertension. It is possible to simultaneously have high blood pressure and a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Certain medications, thickened heart tissue, or injuries may cause this.
Some antihypertensive medications reduce the heart rate by increasing the pulse rate in people with high blood pressure. Hypertension is commonly treated with beta-blockers, such as metoprolol and atenolol. These medications also decrease the heart rate. Doctors sometimes prescribe propranolol as an anxiety medication, another type of beta-blocker.
The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels harder when blood pressure is high. Long-term overwork thickens the heart, similarly to how consistent, vigorous exercise thickens muscles over time.
The transmission of electrical signals within the heart is altered when thick heart tissue is present. As a result, the pulse may be reduced or increased, or the heart may beat irregularly. Also, thickened heart tissue makes the heart unable to contract forcefully enough, lowering the pulse.
In general, higher blood pressure is associated with higher heart rates. As a result, hypertension is more likely to develop if one's heart rate is higher.
People with hypertension and a high heart rate are more likely to develop heart disease. As a result, these individuals need to monitor their blood pressure and heart rate.
Several health problems can cause a low pulse, including:
Low pulses may also be experienced by people taking beta blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and ivabradine.
You should consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure or a low pulse.
Your doctor will create a care plan if:
You should rest for five minutes if your blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mm Hg, regardless of your pulse. Please get in touch with your doctor if your blood pressure remains high without any other symptoms.
You should go to the hospital or call 911 if you have high blood pressure and any of the following symptoms:
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If you have hypertension, beta-blockers or changes in your heart muscle may cause a low heart rate. A low pulse can be caused by high blood pressure, which can cause the heart to thicken. This can affect the electrical system of the heart.
High blood pressure and low heart rate are treated differently depending on the cause. If you are receiving medication for hypertension, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers may be prescribed. If the low heart rate is caused by prolonged high blood pressure, which thickens the heart, interventions such as pacemaker implantation or cardiac ablation can address the problem.
The heart rate normally ranges from 60-100 beats per minute during rest. Doctors typically consider low heart rates to be below 60 beats per minute. However, athletes can have resting heart rates as low as 40 beats per minute if they exercise often. If you experience dizziness, weakness, fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or heart palpitations, your heart rate might be lower than 60.
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