Blood Pressure 138 Over 84

What You Should Know About A Blood Pressure Of 137/84

What is high normal blood pressure? Hypertension guidelines exist to aid both medical professionals and patients in defining, understanding, and treating blood pressure measurements in accordance with its stage of severity. According to the CDC, some 75 million US adults have high blood pressure, but only 54 percent have it under control. Between missed work, health services, and prescriptions alone, hypertension costs the US almost 50 billion per year. The hypertension classification system was developed by The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association to offer a more comprehensive and systematic approach to blood pressure identification and management.

Prehypertension is the elevated or high normal blood pressure stage of that scale. Less than 120/80 mmHg readings are considered within the normal blood pressure range. Once blood pressure measurements rise up to 129 mmHg systolic but remain less than 80 diastolic, the readings are considered elevated. Stage one hypertension ranges from 130-139/80-89 mmHg, stage two hypertension ranges from 140-180/90-120 mmHg, and stage three hypertension covers readings higher than 180/120 mmHg.

Think of the elevated blood pressure stage as a red flag thats telling you to proceed with caution. Its a warning sign that something is causing your blood pressure to rise above normal. If left unmanaged, theres a strong probability of it continuing to rise into the other hypertensive stages.

Top Blood Pressure 138 Over 84 Is That Bad

The arrival of the queen opened a window to Chen Fan s life.Originally, Chen Fan had no martial spirit, and was destined can zoloft cause high blood pressure to become the regular blood pressure Blood Pressure 138 Over 84 Is That Bad most humble creature in the Shenwu Continent.However, the Queen s private visit made him realize that his knowledge is not useless in this world where martial arts are respected.In the Shenwu Continent, those who can establish a dynasty must be a powerful family of martial arts.The one who can become acceptable blood pressure by age the emperor must be the leader of this martial arts family.There is no doubt that the Queen is a warrior, and she is also a powerful warrior.The queen is not only noble, but also a warrior, but she is willing to pretend to be a mortal and come to the global village to apply for a servant to inspect Chen Fan.It can be seen that knowledge is also very blood pressure medication side effects Blood Pressure 138 Over 84 Is That Bad valued in this world.

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Someone with a systolic pressure of 117 and a diastolic pressure of 78 has a blood pressure of 117/78, or “117 over 78.”

Blood pressure that is too high increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Your blood pressure should be less than 140/90 . If you have diabetes, it should be less than 130/80 . If you are 80 years and older, it should be less than 150/90 .

If the first number is:	OR the second number is:	Your blood pressure has:
90 or more	High risk

In general, the lower your blood pressure, the better. A blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 is normal as long as you feel okay.

Don’t Miss: Can Dehydration Cause Low Blood Pressure

What Are The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the silent killer. This means it does not have any symptoms and can go untreated for a long time, which can lead to many major health risks. If left untreated, a blood pressure of 180/120 or higher results in an 80% chance of death within one year, with an average survival rate of ten months. Prolonged, untreated high blood pressure can also lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.

Is A Blood Pressure Of 138/101 Good Or Bad

You may be wondering if a blood pressure of 138/101 is considered good or bad or if its too high, too low, or normal.

According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 138/101 would be consideredstage 2 high blood pressure . Stage 2 high blood pressure is defined by a systolic reading between 140-179 or a diastolic reading between 90-119.

Read Also: What Happens When You Have Low Blood Pressure

You May Like: How Low Can Your Blood Pressure Go

For High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may watch it closely. This is because its a risk factor for heart disease.

Having elevated blood pressure puts you at risk for high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, cutting back on alcohol, and exercising regularly. These may help bring your blood pressure numbers down. You may not need prescription medications.

If you have stage 1 hypertension, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medication. They may prescribe a drug like:

Why Your Blood Pressure Should Be Less Than 130/80

Your blood pressure is a good indicator of your overall health. Ideally, you want it to be less than 130/80 to prevent things like hypertension. However, what does this number mean, and why should your blood pressure be less than that?

You May Like: What Is Low Blood Pressure Readings

What Is The Difference

The major difference between the old and new guidelines is the elimination of the category of pre-hypertension. However, findings from research studies show that complications can exist when blood pressure is as low as 130-139 over 80-89.

The new guidelines change the categories. Those same readings that would have been pre-hypertension are now categorized as stage I hypertension. Doing so means earlier treatment, which can help prevent future increases in blood pressure and more serious complications associated with hypertension.

What Is High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is recorded with 2 numbers. The systolic pressure is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.

The diastolic pressure is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.

They’re both measured in millimetres of mercury .

As a general guide:

• high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
• ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg

Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.

Everyone’s blood pressure will be slightly different. What’s considered low or high for you may be normal for someone else.

Don’t Miss: How Does High Blood Pressure Affect The Heart

Your Blood Pressure Is Borderline High What Should You Do About It

Perhaps this has happened to you: You go to the doctor, for a checkup or a sprained ankle, and find that your blood pressure is high.

Not really high, not hypertension high, but borderline high. Say 130 over 85. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or below, and hypertension is defined as 140/90 or higher.

Should you be worried? Is there something you can do now to ward off a later diagnosis of hypertension?

Hypertension increases your risk for heart attack and stroke, as well as for kidney disease and vision loss. And hypertension is very common: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one of every three American adults has the condition.

But the cardiovascular risks dont suddenly begin at the magic number of 140/90. Its important to realize that theres a continuum of risk, says Elliott Antman, president of the American Heart Association and a cardiologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk.

The label prehypertension became official when clinical practice guidelines were updated in 2003. Since then, researchers have continued to find significant risks associated with borderline high blood pressure. A 2013 review of studies encompassing more than a million people found that those with prehypertension had a 28 percent increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 41 percent increased risk of dying from stroke compared with people who had normal blood pressure.

What Are Some Lifestyle Factors That I Can Control

Those with normal high blood pressure, or pre-hypertension, should seriously look at the following lifestyle factors that can be controlled in order to reduce one’s risk for the development of stage one and stage two hypertension. These lifestyle factors include:

• Diet – Limit the intake of sodium, fatty foods and processed foods such as starchy carbohydrates
• Exercise – Engage in at least 45 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activities every day
• Sleep – Get at least eight hours of sleep a night
• Stress – Control activities and or events in life that contribute to stress
• Alcohol – Limit alcohol intake throughout the week
• Smoking – Stop smoking all tobacco products

High blood pressure can be controlled and eliminated all together. All it takes is being conscious of one’s lifestyle and regularly consulting with a physician.

Also Check: Is Green Tea Good For High Blood Pressure

Stroke And Brain Diseases

Narrowed blood vessels and poor blood circulation are also detrimental to your brain and can impair cognitive functions.

• Stroke blood clots in the brain can cause impairments and sometimes even death
• Vascular Dementia an impairment in an individuals cognition, memory, and decision-making abilities
• Transient Ischemic Attack a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, which can indicate youre at high risk for a stroke

What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Of 138/64 Mean

Readings above 120 systolic pressure indicate Pre-hypertension or High Normal blood pressure even if your diastolic pressure is between 60 and 79. This is because the worse reading is used when systolic and diastolic pressure fall into different ranges.

Research suggests that people with pre-hypertension are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to those with lower blood pressure.

You May Like: Does Deep Breathing Lower Blood Pressure

What Can I Do To Lower My Blood Pressure

There are things we can all do to help control blood pressure. These lifestyle modifications are changes you can make in your daily life.

• Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products with reduced saturated and total fat.
• Increase your physical activity. Add 90 to 150 minutes each week of aerobic exercise. Also, include three days of strength training each week. Not only can this help reduce or control your blood pressure, but it can also help with weight management. In overweight individuals, a weight loss of even five to 10 percent has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
• Limit your alcohol. It is recommended that men have no more than two drinks per day and women have no more than one to help control blood pressure.
• Manage your stress. Because stress can have a major impact on our bodies, it is important to have an effective coping technique. There are many techniques for relaxation.
• If you smoke, quit. Quitting smoking can have a huge impact on your health.

These are some of the most proactive ways one can support a normal blood pressure and an overall healthy life. But sometimes, even a healthy lifestyle is not enough to maintain a safe blood pressure. When lifestyle modifications do not lower blood pressure to better levels, medication can be prescribed.

About the Author:

What Is Normal Blood Pressure

According to the Heart Foundation of Australia, as a general guide:

• blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg can be classified as optimal
• blood pressure between 120/80 and 129/84 mmHg is normal and
• blood pressure between 130/85 and 139/89 mmHg is classified as high-normal.

A person is defined by the Heart Foundation as having high blood pressure if they:

• have a systolic pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or
• a diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.

High blood pressure is further classified as mild, moderate or severe as the pressure increases above this level.

Blood pressure categories Australia
and	Less than 90

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is not as easy to define as it is usually relative to a persons normal blood pressure reading, and varies between different people. It generally refers to a blood pressure below an average of about 90/60 mmHg.

Read Also: Can You Get Rid Of High Blood Pressure

What To Do If Your Blood Pressure Reading Is 138/68

A blood pressure reading of 138/68 could be interpreted as warning sign since its on the high side of normal.

People with pre-hypertension often develop hypertension, so having your blood pressure checked regularly is important.

As an aside, home blood pressure monitors are amazingly affordable and great way to stay on top of your blood pressure. So invest in your health and check out .

Already on blood pressure medicine? If so, this level of blood pressure may be considered adequate, especially if your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 130.

Million Americans Have High Blood Pressure Under New Guidelines

Everyone, even people with normal blood pressure, should watch their diet and exercise to keep blood pressure from going up, the new guidelines stress. And smoking is a major blood pressure risk.

Blood pressure of 120/80 or above is considered elevated 130/80 to 139/89 is now considered Stage 1 hypertension and anything 140/90 or above will be considered stage 2 hypertension. If blood pressure reaches 180/120 or higher and either number in the blood pressure reading counts people will be classified as in hypertensive crisis with need for immediate treatment or hospitalization.

Previously, people were not considered to have high blood pressure until the top reading hit 140. Normal hasnt changed. We are still saying that it is great and it is normal to have a systolic blood pressure reading below 120 and a diastolic reading under 80, Whelton said.

Related: High Blood Pressure Diagnoses Increase Among Teens

Rather than one in three U.S. adults having high blood pressure with the previous definition, the new guidelines will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population having high blood pressure, or hypertension, the groups said in a joint statement.

Instead of recommending drug treatment right away, the organizations recommend that people with stage 1 hypertension try lifestyle changes first: exercising more, eating less salt, and eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Related: Study Confirms Lower Blood Pressure is Better

Also Check: Best Antacid For High Blood Pressure

Who Is At Risk For Prehypertension

Nearly half of all adults older than age 18 have prehypertension or hypertension, as measured by average of two or more readings at two or more doctor’s visits.

According to the American Heart Association, 59 million people in the U.S. have prehypertension.

People with prehypertension may have a greater risk for other cardiovascular disease risk factors. These risk factors — such as high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes — are seen more in people with prehypertension than in those with normal blood pressure.

Have Your Blood Pressure Measured Regularly

Have your blood pressure measured regularly and know what your blood pressure is. Remember that both numbers are important. If either the systolic or diastolic number is high , then your doctor will need to further check your blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement of less than 120/80 mmHg is very good unless it causes dizziness.

Don’t Miss: How To Test For High Blood Pressure

Risks Of High Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

• have a relative with high blood pressure
• are of black African or black Caribbean descent
• live in a deprived area

Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and help lower your blood pressure if it’s already high.

Salt Intake And High Blood Pressure

Reducing the amount of salt you eat can also help to manage or even avoid high blood pressure. To help reduce your salt intake:

• Ensure your diet consists of wholefoods including vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, lean meat and poultry, fish and seafood, legumes, unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Avoid packaged and processed foods that are high in salt. You cant see the salt in these foods, so you dont know how much salt you are having. Get into the habit of checking food labels.
• Choose low-salt food where possible. If you cant find low-salt products, those with moderate amounts of salt are ok too. Another simple alternative is to look for labels with low salt, salt reduced or no added salt.
• Avoid adding salt to cooking or at the table flavour meals with herbs and spices instead.

Don’t Miss: What Can High Blood Pressure Do

What Can Cause A Short

It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.

A low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid.

Recommended Blood Pressure Monitors

References:

Williams B, Giuseppe M, Spiering W, et al. . 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 36. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001940

Bupa . High blood pressure. Retrieved from www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/heart-blood-circulation/high-blood-pressure-hypertension

Blood Pressure Association . Blood pressure chart. Retrieved from www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Bloodpressurechart

Recommended Reading: High Blood Pressure Due To Stress