What Does 171 Blood Pressure Mean? Stage 2 Hypertension

Understanding the Implications of 171 Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings contain two numbers, systolic and diastolic pressures. If your reading is 171, that refers to the systolic or top number. But what does 171 mean and how serious is it?

Breaking Down Blood Pressure Readings

The systolic pressure shows the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats. Diastolic shows pressure between beats when the heart refills with blood. Normal readings fall under 120 systolic and 80 diastolic. 171 blood pressure means significantly elevated systolic pressure.

Classification of 171 as Hypertension Stage 2

Medical guidelines classify blood pressure stages as:

• Normal: Less than 120/80
• Elevated: 120-129 systolic, less than 80 diastolic
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic

With a reading of 171 systolic pressure, it qualifies as stage 2 hypertension under medical definitions. This signals a serious health condition requiring prompt treatment to lower risks of harm.

Why is 171 Dangerously High Blood Pressure?

As a reading over 170/110, 171 systolic pressure is considered a hypertensive crisis by cardiologists. At that level, the force against blood vessel walls rises so high that it damages artery tissue. This leads to inflammation, scarring, weakness, and exponentially higher risks of:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Aneurysm
• Organ damage or failure

What Causes 171 Blood Pressure?

In about 5-10% of high blood pressure cases, an underlying condition drives up readings. Potential causes for 171 systolic pressure include:

Sleep apnea

Interrupted breathing during sleep triggers surges in stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and spike BP throughout the day.

Kidney problems

Damaged kidneys struggle to remove fluid and waste from blood circulation, leading to pressure accumulation over time.

Adrenal tumors

Tumors on the adrenal glands spark excessive production of aldosterone and cortisol, both of which raise blood pressure.

Thyroid disorder

Both overactive and underactive thyroid can manifest in high blood pressure.

However, most cases ties to lifestyle triggers like obesity, smoking, excess alcohol, high salt intake, stress and more. Evaluating medical history helps determine any underlying cause versus lifestyle factors.

Dangers of Untreated 171 Blood Pressure

Walking around every day with blood pressure of 171/XX sets you up for catastrophic health events. The strain damages blood vessels, allowing fatty plaque buildup to block arteries over time. Blood flow disruption then deprives the heart, brain and other organs of vital oxygen and nutrients.

For example, dangerously narrowed arteries in the brain reduce blood flow. This disruption of circulation then cuts off oxygen supply to brain tissue, resulting in dead zones called infarcts. The more infarcts that develop, the higher likelihood of debilitating or even fatal stroke.

Likewise, restricted blood flow to the heart muscle leads to ongoing injury. With time, the accumulation of tiny scars on heart tissue can trigger sudden abnormal heart rhythms. In the worst case, significant parts of the heart muscle could die from oxygen starvation. This extensive damage then provokes a massive heart attack and life-threatening heart failure.

Bottom line – if 171 represents your daily blood pressure reality, you are in imminent danger. Serious cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack could happen at any moment until you get that top number down.

Treatments for 171 Blood Pressure

With systolic pressure of 171, quick medical intervention provides the only safe solution. Treatment focuses on immediately relaxing blood vessels while addressing any underlying drivers of your hypertension:

Emergency BP medications

Getting that 171 reading down prevents impending disaster. Fast-acting meds like intravenous labetalol or nicardipine relax blood vessel walls. Oral medications later help maintain better BP.

Lifestyle changes

Losing extra weight, reducing sodium intake, exercising more, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and managing stress all help support healthy blood pressure.

Further diagnosis

If no clear lifestyle factor causes 171 BP, your medical team will run tests to uncover any underlying illness contributing to it.

What Does 171 Over 108 Mean?

The diastolic or bottom number shows pressure between heartbeats. A measurement of 108 suggests stage 2 hypertension. Combined with a top number of 171, this shows extremely dangerous high blood pressure requiring urgent treatment.

A reading of 171 over 108 indicates you have major constriction or stiffness in arteries plus significant narrowing from plaque buildup. This combines for critical reduction in blood flow that will shortly devastate vital organs if not treated immediately.

When to Call 911 for 171 Blood Pressure

If monitored at home or work, that 171 systolic measurement should prompt an immediate call to emergency services. Paramedics can facilitate quicker treatment before transport to an emergency department. Do NOT attempt to drive yourself for evaluation or management when blood pressure hits life-threatening numbers.

Signs that require emergency attention include:

• Systolic BP higher than 180
• Diastolic BP over 120
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion, vision changes, numbness

Calling emergency teams when experiencing those critical symptoms and numbers helps prevent severe complications from dangerously high blood pressure.

Is 170 Blood Pressure High?

According to hypertension guidelines, 170 is considered dangerously high blood pressure. Classified as stage 2, 170 over 110 sits just below the threshold doctors call a hypertensive crisis. Without medical intervention, it could progress to a life-threatening emergency within days or even hours.

If previously diagnosed with high BP, home readings of 170 systolic or 110 diastolic signal the need for immediate medical reevaluation and intensified treatment. For those previously within normal ranges, a measurement around 170/110 indicates new onset of severe hypertension requiring prompt assessment.

What Should Blood Pressure be for a 70 Year Old Man?

The medical target for balanced blood pressure in an otherwise healthy 70 year old man falls under 140/90. Readings consistently above that level increase senior health risks like:

• Stroke
• Heart disease or attack
• Kidney damage
• Cognitive decline

A reading like 171 for a 70 year old man qualifies as a hypertensive crisis, signaling emergency care needs. Bringing levels into balance is crucial for protecting the heart, brain, kidneys and overall health during older age.

Can High Blood Pressure be Controlled with Medication?

Yes, the right medications can safely reduce high blood pressure for most patients. Options like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers all relax constricted blood vessels and arteries to improve circulation.

In cases of 171 systolic pressure, fast-acting IV medication first provides urgent treatment. Once stabilized, standard oral blood pressure medications help maintain better readings long-term.

Natural Remedies to Reduce Blood Pressure

Alongside any necessary BP medications, certain lifestyle remedies add extra support for balanced circulation:

• More cardio exercise - Work up to 30+ minutes daily to promote vascular elasticity.
• Stress reduction - Methods like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, anger management all minimize anxiety hormones.
• Potassium-rich diet - Fruits, veggies, beans, lentils and avocado provide potassium that acts as a natural diuretic.
• Weight loss - Losing excess body fat eases pressure on blood vessels.
• Omega-3s - These healthy fats reduce inflammation to improve blood vessel flexibility.

Changes that support healthy circulation help prevent blood pressure spikes.

When to See the Doctor for High Blood Pressure

Adults without previous hypertension diagnosis should make prompt medical appointments if home monitoring shows either:

• Systolic pressure 135 or higher
• Diastolic pressure 85 or higher
• Readings like 171 systolic require immediate emergency care to avert disaster

Catching and controlling high BP quickly reduces your risk of damaging health events. Don't delay in getting medical guidance for numbers trending in the danger zone.

Final Word on Managing 171 Blood Pressure

If you or a loved one has ever recorded systolic pressure of 171, take it as an ominous, life-threatening sign to seek instant medical care. Prompt treatment pulls levels out of crisis territory, giving medications and lifestyle changes time to reinforce healthy circulation for the long run.

Ignoring extremely high systolic blood pressure risks vital organ damage, stroke, heart disease and worse. But taking swift action helps ensure many more years of healthy life by preventing hypertension complications down the road.

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.