What Do Different Ranges of Blood Pressure Indicate?

One of the most dangerous things about high blood pressure (hypertension) is that it's possible to suffer from it without realizing it, as there are no discernible signs. High blood pressure can be serious because it increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and several other life-threatening health conditions. Accordingly, knowing your blood pressure numbers could save your life.

Background

• Blood pressure is taken using a sphygmomanometer which measures the force the heart uses to pump blood through the body. The first number (systolic) measures the force exerted against blood vessels when the heart pushes blood through the body, while the second number (diastolic) measures the pressure on the vascular system when the heart is in its relaxed state. The higher the numbers, the harder your heart is working.

Diagnosis

• High-normal blood pressure is considered to be 130 to 139/85 to 89 or less, with optimal blood pressure 120/80 or below. People who are older than 55, diabetics and those who are overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure, but it can strike anyone. A diagnosis of hypertension is usually made after three or more consecutive readings of 140/90 or above.

Moderate Hypertension

• Stage 1 hypertension is reflected in a series of blood pressure readings within the ranges of 140 to 159/90 to 99. At this level, your doctor will most likely recommend immediate dietary and lifestyle changes (reducing alcohol intake and smoking, and increasing daily exercise) before your next checkup. As hypertension is diagnosed after a minimum of three elevated readings, there are many one-time factors, such as nervousness, illness, allergy pills, a fight with your spouse or a double espresso, that could temporarily elevate blood pressure.

Severe Hypertension

• Your doctor will consider your hypertension to be Stage 2, or severe, if readings are 160 or more/100 or more during three or more visits. How your physician chooses to treat your high blood pressure depends on your medical history, the results of a physical exam and lab tests. Most doctors suggest lifestyle changes, as mentioned above, and weight loss, in addition to daily drug therapy to get your blood pressure back down to 130/80 or below.

Misconceptions

• Once they are prescribed high blood pressure medication, many people fail to also make lifestyle changes, believing that the pills will take care of the problem for them. Reality is that medication will only reduce your blood pressure a small amount. It is only the combination of medication and lifestyle changes that will normalize blood pressure and possibly eliminate the need for medication altogether.