Blood Pressure - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about high blood pressure.

QUESTION: Normal Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Children
What is the normal blood pressure rate and heart rate in children (ages 8,10, and 12)?
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QUESTION: Blood Pressure Drugs and Libido
Can the high blood pressure drugs Vasotec and Toprol affect the libido?
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QUESTION: Neurally Mediated Hypotension
My 17-year-old son was told he has "neurally mediated hypotension." What is this, and how is it treated? Are there medications for this condition?
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QUESTION: Menstrual Cycle Affect Blood Pressure
Can a woman's menstrual cycle affect blood pressure?
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QUESTION: Sodium and BP
What should be the maximum intake of sodium per day for a 57-year-old person trying to control blood pressure?
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QUESTION: Pain and High Blood Pressure
Can chronic pain cause or contribute to high blood pressure?
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QUESTION: Taking Blood Pressure
My blood pressure readings vary dramatically - they are lower when lying down and higher when standing. Which is the proper position to take a reading?
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QUESTION: Measuring Blood Pressure
Whenever I take a blood pressure reading with a digital electronic meter, it gives a very high reading (approx 160/95). However, when a traditional mercury meter is used, it shows a lower reading (130/80). I have taken the readings at several different places and they are consistent. Which method of measuring blood pressure is more accurate?
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QUESTION: Blood Pressure Increase After Dinner
Why would my blood pressure increase following my evening meal?
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QUESTION: Blood Pressure Reading
What are the possible reasons for a person having a different blood pressure reading depending on which arm is used?
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QUESTION: Blood Pressure and Pacemaker
Why shouldn't you take blood pressure on the left side on somebody with a pacemaker?
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QUESTION: Breast Implants - High Blood Pressure
Can I get breast implants if I have high blood pressure?
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QUESTION: High Blood Pressure and Kidney Failure
How long does it take for your kidneys to fail if you have high blood pressure? If a doctor tells you that your kidneys are failing, and you don't get proper medical attention, how long would it take for your kidneys to completely shut down?
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QUESTION: Migraine and High Blood PRessure
Can a migraine cause a high blood pressure reading?
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QUESTION: Low Blood Pressure and Chronic Fatigue
What causes low blood pressure and is there a relation to chronic fatigue?
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QUESTION: Allergies and High Blood Pressure
Can allergies cause high blood pressure?
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QUESTION: HBP Medications and Impotence
Is there a medication for high blood pressure that will not cause impotence for a male?
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QUESTION: HP and Diet Pills
Is there a diet pill that can be taken by someone with high blood pressure?
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QUESTION: High BP Meds Forever
Once you are medication for high blood pressure, will you ever be able to get off it?
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QUESTION: High Blood Pressure Meds and Hair Loss
I have been on high blood pressure medicine for the past nine months and during this time have experienced loss of hair. The hair on the top of my head is very thin. Could this be caused by the medicine?
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QUESTION: High Blood Pressure Medication and Extremity Weakness
Is there a link between medications for high blood pressure and extreme weakness in arms and legs?
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QUESTION: Sudden Rise in Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure has been very good for most of your life and then suddenly rises to a dangerous level, could there be an infection or some other medical condition that caused the sudden jump?
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QUESTION: Migraines and Low Blood Pressure
When I get migraines, my blood pressure is very low (93/64). Is this normal?
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QUESTION: Menieres and High Blood Pressure
Is Meniere's syndrome related to high blood pressure?
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