High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called a silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. What is considered normal can vary so talk with your healthcare provider about what a normal blood pressure is for you. Readings near these high values, such as 135/85, might be considered prehypertension, formerly known as "borderline hypertension." The higher the readings are, the more severe the condition is. High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when there is a systolic reading of 140 or greater at rest, or a diastolic reading of 90 or greater at rest. Normal blood pressure is considered 120/80. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure: the minimum pressure, when your heart is at rest. The first number is your systolic blood pressure: the maximum pressure, when your heart contracts. Blood pressure readings are divided into two numbers. Your blood pressure measures how much force is applied to your blood vessels when your heart pumps blood through your body. Symptoms of rapid breathing include breathlessness, chest pain, and bloating, as well as lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, and numbness or tingling. Rapid or deep breathing, known as hyperventilation, can occur with anxiety, panic, and some medical conditions such as heart and lung problems.
Respiratory RateĪ normal respiratory rate for adults at rest is twelve to eighteen breaths per minute. If your heart rate is too high or too low, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Understanding Your Vital Signs Heart Rateįor most adults, a normal resting heart rate is between sixty and one hundred beats per minute. For each measurement, the ranges that are considered normal will vary depending on your age and sex, whether you have any medical problems, and how physically fit you are.
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To do so, you should understand what your vital signs mean, and how to measure them. You may be asked to record some of your vital signs. Measuring your vital signs helps your healthcare provider assess your basic bodily functions. Your heart rate, breathing or respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature are known as your vital signs.