Understanding a 143/106 Blood Pressure Reading: Causes, Risks, Treatment

Understanding 143/106 Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure readings of 143/106 can be alarming. But what do these numbers mean, what are the risks, and what can you do to get your blood pressure under control? This comprehensive guide will explain 143/106 blood pressure, associated health issues, causes and risk factors, diagnosis, and the most effective ways to manage high blood pressure.

What is 143/106 Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers, typically written as 143/106. The top number is your systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in your blood vessels when the heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, measuring pressure between heartbeats when the heart is at rest.

A blood pressure reading of 143/106 means:

• Systolic pressure: 143 mmHg
• Diastolic pressure: 106 mmHg

According to American Heart Association guidelines:

• A systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher is considered stage 2 hypertension.
• A diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher is considered stage 2 hypertension.

Therefore, 143/106 is classified as stage 2 hypertension, considered a severe case that requires prompt treatment to reduce your risk of health complications.

Dangers and Health Risks

High blood pressure dangers can include:

• Heart attack and stroke
• Kidney damage or failure
• Vision loss
• Peripheral artery disease
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dementia

Stage 2 hypertension greatly increases your risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. It can also lead to permanent damage to organs like the heart, eyes, brain and kidneys if left uncontrolled.

People with a blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg should make lifestyle modifications. Reaching 143/106 levels is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent disability or death.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that can contribute to developing stage 2 high blood pressure:

• Genetics - Family history of hypertension
• Age - Risk increases as you get older
• Weight - Being overweight or obese
• Race - Higher risk for African Americans
• Chronic conditions - Kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol
• Sodium intake - High salt consumption
• Stress - Elevated levels over time
• Smoking and alcohol - Can damage blood vessels
• Physical inactivity - Lack of exercise

Often, it is a combination of risk factors that lead to severely high blood pressure. Metabolic issues like insulin resistance as well as nutritional and hormonal imbalances may also be precursors.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek emergency medical care if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mmHg and accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Blurry vision
• Nausea and vomiting

Any blood pressure numbers consistently in the hypertension stage 2 range, including 143/106, should also prompt an urgent doctor visit. Early detection and treatment is key to preventing permanent organ damage.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause

To diagnose the underlying cause of severely high blood pressure, your doctor will:

• Take a full medical history
• Check blood pressure several times on different days
• Conduct laboratory tests on blood and urine samples
• Perform an electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Order imaging tests like ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans

This helps identify any health conditions, genetic factors, or lifestyle habits contributing to your hypertension. Understanding the source of the problem ensures proper treatment.

Treatment Options for 143/106 Blood Pressure

Treating stage 2 high blood pressure involves medication combined with lifestyle changes. Treatment options may include:

Blood Pressure Medications

There are several types of prescription anti-hypertensive drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as:

• Diuretics - Flush excess sodium and water from the body
• ACE inhibitors - Block effects of angiotensin, a chemical that narrows blood vessels
• ARBs - Relax blood vessels by blocking angiotensin
• Beta-blockers - Reduce how hard the heart works
• Calcium channel blockers - Prevent calcium from entering cells in artery walls

Most people with stage 2 high blood pressure need a combination of medications to bring their numbers down to a healthy range.

Lifestyle Changes

Important lifestyle changes to support medication therapy include:

• Following a healthy diet lower in sodium, fat, and alcohol
• Exercising more - 30 mins of activity most days of the week
• Losing extra weight if overweight or obese
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Cutting back on stress through relaxation techniques

Making positive lifestyle modifications enhances the effects of blood pressure drugs to more effectively control hypertension.

Device-Based Therapies

Procedures like renal denervation therapy use catheter-based devices to disrupt nerves around the renal artery. This reduces blood pressure by decreasing overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Home Remedies to Help Lower Blood Pressure

Natural remedies to help reduce high blood pressure in addition to medical treatment include:

• Exercise - Regular physical activity makes your heart and blood vessels healthier.
• Stress management - Methods like meditation, yoga, or tai chi promote relaxation.
• Garlic - Some studies show garlic powder supplements may have a mild benefit.
• Hibiscus - Drinking hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure.
• Fish oil - Omega-3 fatty acids appear to reduce hypertension.

Always check with your doctor before trying natural or herbal remedies, especially with stage 2 high blood pressure.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Its essential to monitor your blood pressure consistently when you have hypertension. Steps to take include:

• Track your numbers at home with a blood pressure monitor.
• Keep a record of daily readings to identify trends.
• Take measurements at same time each day for consistency.
• Continue monitoring between doctors appointments.
• Report any unusually high or low readings immediately.

This allows you and your doctor to assess if lifestyle changes and medications are working to control your blood pressure.

Complications of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

Without treatment, the most common complications of high blood pressure like 143/106 include:

• Stroke - Blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain.
• Heart attack - Arteries around heart become narrow or blocked.
• Heart failure - Heart weakened and unable to properly pump.
• Kidney failure or disease - Arteries around kidneys damaged.
• Vision loss - Retinal damage due to bleeding or blocked vessels.
• Sexual dysfunction - Lower libido and performance problems.

Catching and controlling stage 2 high blood pressure minimizes your risk of developing these devastating complications over time.

Taking Control of Your Cardiovascular Health

A blood pressure reading of 143/106 is a serious health concern putting you at high risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems. With a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and ongoing monitoring, it is possible to lower your blood pressure and avoid complications.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to bring your numbers down to a normal range. They can also assess any underlying conditions needing treatment. Taking control of your cardiovascular health ensures you remain active and thrive for years to come.

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.