What does BP of 99/55 means?
According to the blood pressure chart, a reading of 99/55 is classified as low blood pressure, or hypotension.
Low blood pressure is characterized by a systolic (upper) blood pressure reading under 90 mmHg and/or a diastolic (lower) reading under 60 mmHg.
While this reading may be lower than the normal blood pressure range, it is important to note that blood pressure values can vary based on individual factors such as age, gender, and health status.
In many cases, mild hypotension without any accompanying health impairments can be considered normal and does not require immediate medical attention.
Interpretation of a Blood Pressure Reading of 99 over 55
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, one written above or before the other, such as 99/55 mmHg.
The top number, or the systolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or contracts. This is the highest pressure in the blood vessels and occurs when the heart pumps blood into the arteries.
Systolic (upper) value of 99 mmHg indicates ideal blood pressure.
The bottom number, or the diastolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This is the lowest pressure in the blood vessels and occurs when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.
Diastolic (lower) value of 55 mmHg indicates hypotension (low blood pressure).
It’s important to note that if the systolic and diastolic values fall into different blood pressure categories, you should always consider the higher or worse classification when determining the overall blood pressure classification.
Thus, in the case of 99/55 the overall reading considering both values is in the low blood pressure range.
Blood Pressure 99/55 on the blood pressure chart
The blood pressure chart is a useful tool for tracking blood pressure readings over time and identifying any changes or trends. It categorizes blood pressure readings into different stages of hypertension, ranging from low to severe hypertension.
A blood pressure reading of 99/55 falls within the low range on the chart, indicating a hypotension.
It is important to monitor blood pressure regularly, especially for individuals who experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision.
What you should know about blood pressure of 99 over 55
Symptoms
Having a low blood pressure you may experience the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Rapid or shallow breathing
Causes
Low blood pressure may be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart problems
- Endocrine disorders
- Certain medications, such as diuretics and beta blockers
- Infection
Prevention and Treatment
If your BP is too low, there are several ways of raising your blood pressure. In brief:
- Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of water or other fluids
- Increase your salt intake, as sodium helps to retain fluid in the body
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time without moving
If your blood pressure remains low, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
BP 99/55 Pulse Pressure
The difference between the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic) of a blood pressure reading is known as the pulse pressure (PP).
In the case of a reading of 99/55, the pulse pressure equals to 44.
Pulse pressure below 40 mmHg is considered to be low, while a value above 60 mmHg high. Thus, a normal range for pulse pressure is 40 – 60 mmHg.
BP 99/55 Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is a measure of the average blood pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle. It is calculated by adding two-thirds of the diastolic pressure to one-third of the systolic pressure, and is often used as an indicator of tissue perfusion and organ function.
For a reading of 99/55, the mean arterial pressure equals to 69.7.
A MAP value between 70-100 mm Hg is considered to be within the normal range. Values below this range may indicate poor tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ dysfunction or failure.
Conversely, values above this range may indicate hypertension, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Blood Pressure 99 55 on the blood pressure monitor
Conclusion
Finally, remember that a single reading of blood pressure should not be used as a definitive reference for a person’s overall health status. This is because there may be issues while measuring , such as incorrect positioning or equipment error, that could lead to an inaccurate reading. Here you can read in more details about how to measure you blood pressure correctly.
In addition, don’t forget when measuring blood pressure that you should also take into account various factors such as age, gender, stress level, medical conditions or even the time at which you take the reading as all of these can affect your blood pressure and its interpretation. To learn more about this topic you can read an article on blood pressure risk factors.
Only constant monitoring of blood pressure over time can provide a more accurate reflection of an individual’s overall state of health. For this purpose either use an app to track blood pressure or a printable blood pressure log sheet.
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Medically reviewed by Fomina Tatyana, Cardiologist
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