Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs that provide insight into the health of your heart and circulatory system. When the doctor measures your blood pressure, the reading consists of two numbers - the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
For example, a blood pressure of 144/105 mmHg is considered stage 2 hypertension, with the systolic at 144 and diastolic at 105. But what do these blood pressure numbers really mean and how are they interpreted?
Keep reading to learn more about understanding blood pressure readings like 144/105, including the role of systolic and diastolic pressures, their typical ranges, and the implications for your health.
What Do the Systolic and Diastolic Numbers Indicate?
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force your blood exerts on artery walls as it is pumped through your circulatory system. The maximum pressure while the heart contracts is called systolic pressure. The minimum pressure when the heart relaxes between beats is called diastolic pressure.
Systolic Pressure
The systolic pressure reading indicates how much force your blood is exerting against artery walls as the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out. This represents the highest pressure placed on blood vessels.
Diastolic Pressure
The diastolic pressure reading shows the force applied when the heart is relaxed between beats and refilling with blood. This represents the lowest pressure on vessel walls.
A normal blood pressure reading will be around 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic when the heart is functioning well.
Normal Blood Pressure Ranges
Here is an overview of general blood pressure ranges in adults:
Normal Blood Pressure
Systolic: Less than 120 mmHg
Diastolic: Less than 80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120-129 mmHg
Diastolic: Less than 80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic: 130-139 mmHg
Diastolic: 80-89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher
Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher
A reading like 144/105 would fall into stage 2 hypertension, carrying greater health risks.
Risk Factors for Hypertension
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing elevated blood pressure or hypertension, including:
- Age - Risk increases with age as arteries stiffen.
- Obesity
- Family history
- Ethnicity - Higher risk among African Americans.
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High salt intake
- Chronic stress
- Sleep apnea
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medications or drugs
Talk to your doctor about your family history and lifestyle to understand your personal risk profile and prevention options.
Dangers of Stage 2 Hypertension
The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of serious complications. At stage 2 levels like 144/105, you are at dangerously increased risk of problems like:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Memory and cognitive issues
Stage 2 hypertension requires prompt medical treatment and lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and avoid damage to your cardiovascular system, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Lifestyle Changes for High Blood Pressure
If lifestyle factors are contributing to your elevated blood pressure, making certain changes may help lower your numbers without medication:
- Lose excess weight
- Exercise regularly - 30+ minutes per day
- Follow DASH diet - reduce sodium, eat healthy foods
- Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day maximum for women or 2 for men
- Quit smoking and vaping
- Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, music, etc.
- Get enough sleep - aim for 7-9 hours per night
Your doctor can help tailor a treatment plan to address any underlying causes of your hypertension.
Medications for High Blood Pressure
If blood pressure remains high after implementing lifestyle changes, medications may be necessary. Here are some of the common types of medications prescribed:
ACE inhibitors
Prevent blood vessel constriction to improve flow. Examples: lisinopril, benazepril.
ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers)
Block effects of hormone angiotensin to relax blood vessels. Examples: losartan, valsartan.
Beta-blockers
Reduce heart rate and decrease the heart's workload. Examples: metoprolol, atenolol.
Calcium channel blockers
Prevent calcium buildup in vessels to dilate blood vessels. Examples: amlodipine, diltiazem.
Diuretics, alpha blockers, and other classes are also sometimes prescribed. Your doctor will choose medication based on your medical history and health data.
How Medications Can Lower Blood Pressure
Blood pressure medications work through different mechanisms to lower hypertension. In general, they aim to:
- Relax blood vessel walls
- Reduce blood volume/decrease fluid
- Decrease heart rate
- Improve blood flow
- Prevent blood vessel narrowing
This reduces the pressure exerted on artery walls both when the heart beats and relaxes between contractions.
Goal Blood Pressure Levels When Taking Medication
The target blood pressure range can vary based on your health profile and medical needs. Some general goals while taking medication are:
- Below 130/80 mmHg for most otherwise healthy adults
- Below 140/90 mmHg for older adults
- Below 120/80 mmHg for those with diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
Work closely with your doctor to determine your personalized treatment goals and evaluate medication effectiveness.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
Consistently checking your blood pressure is important when actively working to lower high readings. Guidelines include:
- Home monitoring 1-2 times per day
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
- Checking at doctor visits every 1-3 months
- Reporting any unusual symptoms right away
Keep detailed records of your readings so your doctor can assess progress and adjust medications as needed. This helps gain better control over your blood pressure.
Preventing High Blood Pressure
If your readings are still normal, take proactive steps now to maintain healthy blood pressure. Tips include:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Follow a nutritious diet like the DASH diet
- Reduce sodium intake
- Limit alcohol to moderate levels
- Don't smoke
- Manage stress
Catching and controlling high blood pressure early is the best way to avoid serious complications down the road.
See Your Doctor for Elevated Readings
If your blood pressure is consistently elevated, especially into hypertension stage 1 or 2 ranges, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. This could signal an underlying condition requiring prompt medical treatment.
With proper lifestyle changes and medication as needed, high blood pressure can often be well-controlled. But delayed treatment raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications.
Don't ignore readings like 144/105 - take charge of your health today to lower your blood pressure and avoid damage to your body.
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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