What Is a Life Threatening Blood Pressure Reading?

Blood pressure is the pressure that your blood puts on your artery walls. Blood pressure can elevate or fall to life-threatening levels.

Normal Blood Pressure

• Normal blood pressure levels, according to the American Heart Association, are less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic, which is read as 120/80 mmHg.

Low Blood Pressure

• Low blood pressure is okay in many cases but certain symptoms such as dizziness and fainting can be warning signs for more serious conditions. A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mmHg is considered low. Any time you have a blood pressure level below these numbers you should immediately contact a physician, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is anything over 140/90 mmHg, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can cause many problems, including hardening your arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Life-threatening Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is normally a chronic condition that develops over the years. In some cases, though, blood pressure rises rapidly and severely and turns into a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment, often with hospitalization.
  Blood pressure levels of 180/110 mmHg are considered to be the "hypertensive crisis" stage and could potentially be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is needed in these instances.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is preventable in many cases and is a condition that can be managed. The American Heart Association recommends certain behaviors that can help lower or prevent high blood pressure, including not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress levels, exercising, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and saturated and trans fats.