Understanding and Managing Stage 2 Hypertension of 143

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings of 143

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers - the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). A reading of 143 refers to a systolic pressure of 143 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). This indicates stage 2 hypertension, which is considered high blood pressure.

Stage 2 Hypertension at 143

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), blood pressure categories are:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher

So a reading of 143/XX mm Hg (where XX is less than 90) falls into the stage 2 hypertension range. This level of high blood pressure if left untreated increases your risk of serious health problems.

Health Risks of Stage 2 Hypertension

Uncontrolled high blood pressure like 143 can lead to:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Vision loss
• Peripheral artery disease
• Dementia

The risk for these dangerous health issues rises along with your blood pressure level. So stage 2 hypertension must be treated and managed under the care of your doctor.

Treatment for Stage 2 Hypertension

If you have a reading of 143/XX, your doctor will likely prescribe you one or more medications to lower your blood pressure into a healthier range. Medications may include:

• Diuretics - help your body eliminate sodium and water to reduce blood volume
• ACE inhibitors - prevent blood vessels from narrowing
• ARBs - relax and open up blood vessels
• Beta blockers - reduce how hard the heart pumps to lower blood flow
• Calcium channel blockers - prevent calcium from entering cells in arteries to relax vessels

Your doctor may try different medications or combinations to find what works best to control your blood pressure. The goal is to get your pressure consistently below 130/80 mm Hg.

Lifestyle Changes for High Blood Pressure Management

Medication alone often isn't enough - you'll need to pair it with healthy lifestyle adjustments to best manage stage 2 hypertension. Helpful tips include:

• Lose excess weight - Being overweight strains your cardiovascular system. Shedding just 10 lbs can lower your blood pressure.
• Exercise more - 150 minutes per week of moderate activity helps lower blood pressure.
• Eat a balanced diet - Focus on whole grains, veggies, fruits, lean protein and low-fat dairy.
• Reduce sodium - Limit daily sodium to 1500 mg to avoid fluid retention.
• Limit alcohol - Heavy drinking temporarily spikes blood pressure.
• Don't smoke - Smoking damages blood vessels and causes plaque buildup.
• Manage stress - Chronic stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline.

Making heart-healthy adjustments to your lifestyle combined with medication adherence provides the best results for controlling stage 2 high blood pressure.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

When you have a reading of 143/XX mm Hg, you'll need to monitor your levels closely to see how well treatment is working. Guidelines recommend:

• Home monitoring - Check your blood pressure at home 1-2 times per day.
• Doctor visits - Follow up with your doctor at least every 1-3 months.
• Lifestyle tracking - Keep a log of your diet, exercise, weight, etc.

Monitoring gives your doctor feedback so they can adjust medications and treatment plans until your blood pressure is under control.

Using a Home Blood Pressure Monitor

Home monitoring is easy with a blood pressure cuff and monitor. When checking your levels:

• Take readings at the same times each day
• Sit comfortably with back support for 5 minutes beforehand
• Don't smoke, exercise, or have caffeine 30 minutes prior
• Keep feet flat and arm supported at heart level
• Take 2-3 readings 1 minute apart and record all numbers

This allows you to accurately track your blood pressure overtime. Provide your home readings to your doctor to help guide your treatment.

Why Follow Up Frequently With Your Doctor

Frequent follow-ups are recommended so your doctor can:

• Check if your blood pressure is decreasing to goal levels
• Evaluate if you're experiencing any medication side effects
• Determine if your dosage needs adjustment
• Assess if additional or alternate medications may be needed
• Identify any early organ damage from high blood pressure

Ongoing appointments allow your doctor to tailor and tweak your treatment plan. This gives you the best chance of safely controlling your stage 2 hypertension.

Long-Term Effects of Uncontrolled Hypertension

If left untreated or uncontrolled over many years, the constant force of high blood pressure damages arteries leading to:

Heart Disease

High pressure strains the heart muscle forcing it to overwork. This results in a weakened heart that is prone to heart attack, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms.

Stroke

Pressure damages arteries causing them to narrow and weaken over time. This can make them prone to blocking and rupturing - both can trigger an ischemic stroke.

Kidney Disease

The tiny filtering blood vessels in the kidneys are vulnerable to high blood pressure damage. Reduced function leads to fluid retention, waste buildup, and the need for dialysis.

Blindness

Tiny blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to the retina in the eyes are strained. Their deterioration leads to vision loss or blindness.

Aneurysms

Pressure causes weak spots in artery walls which balloon out into aneurysms. Their rupture leads to dangerous internal bleeding.

That's why it's critical to get a reading of 143/XX or higher treated promptly. Medication and lifestyle adjustments will help control your blood pressure to avoid these serious health consequences.

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.