Understanding the Implications of 143/106 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings contain two numbers, such as 143/106. The top number is your systolic pressure, measuring the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, measuring force between heartbeats when the heart relaxes. If your blood pressure is 143/106, it indicates stage 2 hypertension requiring prompt treatment to reduce health risks.
Breaking Down the Numbers in a 143/106 Blood Pressure Reading
Looking at each component of 143/106 blood pressure provides greater insight:
- Systolic pressure - The 143 means the pressure against your arteries when the heart contracts is dangerously high.
- Diastolic pressure - The 106 signifies your blood pressure remains elevated even when your heart is at rest between beats.
Together, these numbers paint a picture of significant strain on your cardiovascular system that must be addressed.
What Does it Mean if Your Blood Pressure is 143/106?
A reading of 143/106 blood pressure means:
- You have stage 2 hypertension, indicating a serious cardiovascular health threat.
- Your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other problems is significantly elevated.
- You very likely require antihypertensive medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
- Your doctor will want to monitor you closely until your pressure is controlled.
Think of 143/106 as a vital sign your body is under duress and intervention is needed.
Blood Pressure Classifications
Blood pressure readings fall into one of four categories:
- Normal - Less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic
- Elevated - 120-129 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic
- Stage 1 Hypertension - 130-139 systolic OR 80-89 diastolic
- Stage 2 Hypertension - 140 systolic or higher OR 90 diastolic or higher
A reading of 143/106 indicates stage 2 hypertension. This is considered a hypertensive crisis if it occurs with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or neurologic changes.
Contributing Factors to 143/106 Blood Pressure
Some potential causes leading to 143/106 blood pressure include:
- Chronic untreated hypertension
- High sodium diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- High stress
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Certain medications
Your doctor will help identify risk factors specific to your situation that require management.
Dangers and Health Risks of 143/106 Blood Pressure
The dangers of untreated stage 2 hypertension like 143/106 include:
- Heart attack or stroke - Pressure can rupture arteries or block blood flow.
- Aneurysms - Bulges form in weakened blood vessel walls.
- Heart failure - The heart struggles to pump against pressure.
- Kidney damage - Arteries to the kidneys become narrowed.
- Vision loss - Retina damage can occur.
- Dementia - Cognitive function declines.
Lowering your blood pressure to a safer range is crucial for avoiding catastrophic health events.
When to Seek Emergency Treatment for 143/106
In addition to scheduling an appointment with your doctor, seek emergency care if 143/106 is accompanied by:
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
These can signify a hypertensive crisis where catastrophic damage may occur. Call 911 or go to an ER to rapidly lower your blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Lower 143/106 Blood Pressure
Making these lifestyle modifications can help control 143/106 blood pressure:
- Lose weight if overweight.
- Reduce sodium intake.
- Exercise regularly such as brisk walking.
- Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 for men.
- Quit smoking and vaping.
- Try stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Your doctor can provide diet and exercise plans tailored to your needs to bring your blood pressure into focus.
Medications Used to Treat 143/106 Blood Pressure
If lifestyle measures alone are insufficient to lower blood pressure, medications may be prescribed such as:
- ACE inhibitors - widen blood vessels
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics - rid body of excess sodium and water
- Beta blockers - reduce heart rate
Your doctor will choose the most appropriate single or combination medication approach to safely achieve target blood pressure levels.
Home Monitoring for 143/106 Blood Pressure
It's advisable to monitor your blood pressure at home between doctor visits. This can help:
- Track effectiveness of lifestyle changes and medication.
- Alert your doctor if readings remain uncontrolled.
- Provide a more complete picture than occasional office readings.
Home monitoring also reduces white coat syndrome where readings are higher in the doctor's office due to anxiety.
Use a validated home blood pressure monitor. Check at the same time daily, taking 2-3 consecutive readings and recording the averages.
How Quickly 143/106 Blood Pressure Needs to Improve
The goal is to gradually lower your blood pressure to below 130/80. However, how quickly you reach this depends on:
- Your overall health status and risks.
- Presence of damage to heart, brain, or kidneys.
- Your blood pressure response to medication.
- Other medical conditions you may have.
Your doctor will tailor a treatment timeline specific to you. The higher your starting point, the longer improvement may take.
When to Follow Up with Your Doctor for 143/106 Readings
Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure management. Seek earlier review if:
- Readings remain above target levels despite treatment.
- You experience side effects from medication.
- Symptoms like headache or shortness of breath occur.
- You notice potential medication complications like fainting.
- You have any concerns about your heart health.
Ongoing communication with your doctor helps ensure issues are promptly addressed until blood pressure normalizes.
Long-Term Prognosis for 143/106 Blood Pressure
The long-term outlook for 143/106 blood pressure depends greatly on treatment success. Some key points:
- Medication and lifestyle changes can effectively control blood pressure in most people.
- Sustained normalization of blood pressure minimizes health risks.
- If untreated, high blood pressure can reduce lifespan through stroke, heart disease, etc.
- Careful monitoring and patient compliance with treatment is vital.
Work closely with your doctor and follow recommendations to achieve a positive long-term prognosis. This investment safeguards your future health.
The Bottom Line on a 143/106 Blood Pressure Reading
A blood pressure reading of 143/106 signifies dangerously high hypertension. To reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease, this requires collaborative treatment with your doctor.
Lifestyle adjustments like diet, exercise, and stress reduction play an important role. But medication is also likely needed to regain control. With proper treatment and vigilance, your numbers and cardiovascular outlook can dramatically improve.
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.
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