What Does it Mean to Have Blood Pressure of 137? Breaking Down Elevated Systolic Readings

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs that provide insight into the health of your cardiovascular system. The numbers representing systolic and diastolic pressure give important information about how well your heart is pumping and the pressure in your arteries.

For adults, a blood pressure reading of 137 is considered elevated. While not high enough to be categorized as hypertension on its own, 137 as the systolic value may be a sign of increasing risk factors. Let’s take a closer look at what different blood pressure numbers mean.

Breaking Down Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, with the systolic value listed first and the diastolic value second. For example:

• 117/76 mm Hg
• 137/84 mm Hg
• 158/102 mm Hg

The systolic reading represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood through the circulatory system. Diastolic pressure is the pressure that remains when the heart is relaxed between beats.

Ranges for Normal Blood Pressure

For adults, normal blood pressure readings are:

• Less than 120 mm Hg systolic
• AND Less than 80 mm Hg diastolic

So a reading of 117/76 mm Hg would be considered normal. 120/80 mm Hg is sometimes used as the cutoff for normal, but the ranges above provide a buffer zone.

Elevated vs. High Blood Pressure

Readings that are above normal but not yet in the hypertension range are considered elevated. This includes:

• Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg
• AND Diastolic less than 80 mm Hg

So a reading like 125/77 mm Hg would be considered elevated. People with elevated blood pressure are more likely to develop hypertension unless lifestyle improvements are made.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed when readings consistently exceed:

• 130 mm Hg systolic
• OR 80 mm Hg diastolic

For example, 142/92 mm Hg would represent stage 1 hypertension.

Understanding Blood Pressure of 137

A blood pressure reading of 137/XX mm Hg indicates elevated systolic pressure specifically. The systolic value of 137 falls in the range of 120-129 mm Hg that is considered above normal but not yet hypertensive.

Possible scenarios include:

• 137/75 mm Hg - Elevated systolic only
• 137/85 mm Hg - Elevated systolic and prehypertension diastolic
• 137/95 mm Hg - Elevated systolic and stage 1 hypertensive diastolic

Even though 137 alone does not indicate hypertension, it is a sign that systolic pressure is starting to rise and heading toward high blood pressure levels. Lifestyle changes are recommended when systolic reaches 130-139 mm Hg range to prevent progression to hypertension.

Risks of Elevated Systolic Pressure

Higher systolic pressure (the top number) poses health risks even when the diastolic number is normal. Risks associated with elevated systolic pressure include:

• Increased strain on heart and blood vessels
• Higher risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease
• Cognitive impairment and dementia
• Trouble with memory and thinking skills
• Reduced blood flow to extremities

That's why a reading of 137/80 is not considered “normal” even though the diastolic number is within range. The elevated systolic pressure is reason for caution and intervention.

Who's At Risk for Elevated Systolic?

Some people are more likely than others to experience elevated systolic pressure:

• Older adults - Stiffening arteries occur with aging
• Overweight individuals - Excess weight strains the heart
• Those with diabetes or prediabetes - High blood sugar damages blood vessels
• People of African descent - Increased risk versus Caucasians
• Smokers - Chemicals damage artery walls
• Stressed individuals - Stress hormones constrict arteries

Managing risk factors through diet, exercise, sleep and stress relief help prevent elevated systolic pressure.

How to Lower Blood Pressure of 137

If lifestyle changes are implemented after a reading of 137, it may normalize before hitting the 140+ range. Some ways to reduce systolic pressure include:

Lose Extra Weight

Excess weight forces the heart to work harder, increasing systolic pressure. Losing just 10 lbs can make a difference. Focus on calorie controlled, low salt eating and regular exercise.

Increase Aerobic Activity

Aim for 150 minutes per week of brisk walking, cycling, swimming and other cardio exercise. This improves heart and blood vessel function, lowering pressure.

Cut Back on Sodium

Consuming less than 2300 mg of sodium daily helps prevent fluid retention and reduces pressure on artery walls. Limit processed foods and read labels.

Up Potassium Intake

Eating potassium rich foods like bananas, potatoes, spinach, and beans supports healthy blood pressure levels. Potassium balances out sodium effects.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Drinking more than moderate levels of alcohol can cause systolic spikes. Limit intake to 1 drink daily for women, 2 for men.

Quit Smoking

Smoking constricts blood vessels and directly contributes to elevated systolic pressure. Quitting improves cardiovascular health quickly.

Try Stress Management

Chronic stress leads to constricted blood vessels and higher heart rate. Relaxation practices like meditation help induce calm.

Take Prescribed Medications

If lifestyle adjustments aren't sufficient, blood pressure medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors may be used to lower systolic pressure.

Tracking blood pressure at home helps monitor if 137 readings are a temporary blip or part of an upward trend requiring intervention. Most importantly, schedule regular checkups to catch any changes.

Potential Causes of Blood Pressure 137

In some cases, there may be an underlying condition contributing to systolic pressure of 137, including:

Atherosclerosis

Artery plaque buildup causes stiffening and narrowed vessels, increasing resistance and pressure. Managing cholesterol can help prevent atherosclerosis.

Kidney Disease

Conditions affecting kidney function allow fluid retention, leading to elevated systolic pressure. Blood and urine tests help diagnose issues.

Sleep Apnea

Interruptions in breathing during sleep cause oxygen drops that spike blood pressure. Addressing apnea through CPAP lowers pressure.

Thyroid Problems

Both overactive and underactive thyroid can contribute to blood pressure increases. Thyroid hormone levels should be evaluated.

Adrenal Gland Tumors

Tumors causing excess aldosterone and cortisol production can raise blood pressure. Imaging tests may be used if an adrenal tumor is suspected.

Diagnostic tests along with a review of family history can determine if an underlying condition is causing elevated systolic pressure.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Extremely high systolic pressure requires urgent medical care, such as readings over 180 mm Hg. Seek emergency treatment if symptoms occur like:

• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Severe anxiety
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Blurry vision

These symptoms may indicate hypertensive crisis and require immediate reduction of blood pressure to prevent complications like stroke, kidney failure, or heart attack.

Living with Elevated Blood Pressure

Having systolic pressure in the 130s range requires diligence to prevent it from progressing to hypertension. Here are some tips for living with elevated blood pressure:

• Monitor blood pressure at least twice per month
• Take medications as prescribed to lower pressure
• Maintain a heart healthy diet low in sodium, fat and sugar
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly
• Reduce stress through yoga, mindfulness, massage, or other relaxation practices
• Limit alcohol to 1-2 drink maximum per day
• Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
• Attend regular doctor’s visits for screening exams

With disciplined lifestyle management and regular monitoring, it’s possible to stabilize and reduce an elevated systolic reading like 137 mm Hg. But professional care is key.

Key Takeaways

An systolic blood pressure reading of 137 mm Hg indicates pressure is starting to rise above ideal levels. Systolic values from 130-139 mm Hg are considered elevated but not yet hypertension. Steps like weight loss, diet, exercise and stress reduction can potentially bring 137 readings back down to a normal range under 120 mm Hg. Lowering systolic pressure reduces cardiovascular risks and prevents full blown hypertension.

Working with a doctor and modifying controllable risk factors are the keys to successfully improving elevated systolic pressure. With proper management, it may be possible to avoid having to take medications to control blood pressure. Monitoring systolic and diastolic numbers closely allows you to respond promptly if readings fail to improve or continue rising.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.