Is blood pressure 166 over 78 bad?

Blood pressure readings are typically represented as two numbers, with the first number (systolic) indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the second number (diastolic) indicating the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

Systolic blood pressure: 166 (high or hypertension 2)

Diastolic blood pressure: 78 (normal)

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Readings below 140/90 mm Hg are considered "elevated." Readings between 140/90 and 160/100 mm Hg are considered to be ''high blood pressure" stage 1 hypertension

Blood pressure readings of 160/100 mm Hg and above are considered hypertensive and require prompt medical evaluation and, likely medication..

It is worth noting that blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day and can occasionally reach significantly higher values in response to stressors like caffeine, smoking, or anxiety. For a comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular health, multiple readings taken over different times would be more informative.

Your doctor will recommend the best steps to control your blood pressure based on several factors, including your overall health, age, and existing medical conditions.