Understanding the Implications of a Blood Pressure Reading of 162 mmHg
A blood pressure reading of 162 mmHg is considered high and classified as Stage 2 hypertension. This level of elevated blood pressure carries health risks that require lifestyle changes and possibly medication to lower. Let’s take a closer look at what the numbers mean and how to respond appropriately.
Breaking Down Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, written with the systolic pressure first, followed by the diastolic pressure. For example:
117/76 mmHg
The first number is the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pushes blood through the circulatory system. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats as the heart relaxes and refills with blood.
Blood Pressure Classifications
Here is how the American Heart Association categorizes blood pressure readings in adults:
- Normal: Less than 120 mmHg systolic AND less than 80 mmHg diastolic
- Elevated: 120-129 mmHg systolic AND less than 80 mmHg diastolic
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 mmHg systolic OR 80-89 mmHg diastolic
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 mmHg systolic OR higher OR 90 mmHg diastolic or higher
- Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180 mmHg systolic OR higher than 120 mmHg diastolic - Consult a doctor immediately
Evaluating a Blood Pressure of 162 mmHg
A reading of 162 mmHg indicates Stage 2 hypertension. Without the diastolic number, it’s assumed the systolic pressure alone is 162 mmHg. This places the hypertension in a range requiring medical treatment along with lifestyle changes to avoid serious complications.
Risks of Untreated Stage 2 Hypertension
When high blood pressure reaches Stage 2 levels and remains untreated, it starts to damage blood vessels, organs, and eventually can lead to life-threatening health outcomes. Risks include:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Dementia
According to studies, bringing Stage 2 hypertension down to 130 mmHg systolic can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack by over 50%. Proper treatment is essential.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Blood Pressure
Your doctor will likely prescribe medication to help control blood pressure over 160 mmHg. But making healthy lifestyle changes enhances the effectiveness of the medication and lowers numbers further. Try to:
- Lose weight if overweight
- Exercise for 30 minutes most days
- Follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH diet
- Reduce sodium intake
- Limit alcohol to 1 drink a day maximum for women or 2 for men
- Quit smoking and vaping
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, etc.
Medications to Treat Stage 2 Hypertension
If lifestyle changes alone don't reduce blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg within 3 months, medication will be added. Options include:
- Diuretics - Help eliminate surplus sodium and water from the body
- ACE inhibitors - Prevent blood vessels from narrowing
- ARBs - Relax and widen blood vessels
- Beta-blockers - Reduce how hard the heart has to work
- Calcium channel blockers - Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells
- Alpha blockers - Reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels
- Alpha-beta blockers - Combine alpha and beta blocker effects
- Nervous system inhibitors - Prevent nerve signals that cause vessels to constrict
Your doctor will prescribe the best medication or combination of medications for your specific health profile and causes of hypertension.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure with Medication
Once you start taking medication, it's important to monitor your blood pressure daily when first starting out. Keep a log of your readings and report them back to your doctor. Expect to return for follow-up appointments frequently as your doctor assesses how you are responding and makes any necessary medication adjustments. Over time, daily checks may reduce to weekly or monthly.
Some tips for at-home monitoring:
- Take readings at the same time each day
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before checking
- Don't smoke, exercise, or eat 30 minutes prior
- Take multiple readings and record an average
- Wear loose clothing that won't constrict arm
- Keep a consistent log for the doctor
Report any unusual symptoms immediately like chest pain, headaches, breathing issues, or dizziness as these can indicate blood pressure fluctuations.
Achieving Goal Blood Pressure Levels
The ideal target for most people with Stage 2 hypertension and no other complications is to lower blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. This reduces cardiovascular risk substantially. For those with diabetes or kidney issues, an ideal reading is below 120/80 mmHg.
Reaching this goal takes patience, persistence, and good communication with your physician. But lowering your blood pressure dramatically reduces your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and other life-threatening complications. Commit to making the necessary lifestyle changes, taking your medications properly, and tracking your numbers.
Long-Term Maintenance of Healthy Blood Pressure
Once your blood pressure is well-controlled through medication and improved lifestyle habits, you will likely continue medication indefinitely. Consistency is key in maintaining lower blood pressure. Keep taking your medications as prescribed and continue heart-healthy behaviors.
Have your blood pressure measured during routine doctor visits. If readings start trending up, the doctor may adjust your treatment plan. Don't stop medication without medical guidance. Be vigilant about tracking numbers at home too.
Stage 2 hypertension puts you at lifelong increased risk for cardiovascular disease. But with proper long-term treatment and monitoring, you can successfully minimize complications and preserve your health.
Taking Control: Implementing an Action Plan for Blood Pressure of 162
Discovering you have Stage 2 hypertension may feel overwhelming at first. But you have the power to take control of your health. Have an honest discussion with your doctor about your prognosis. Commit to the treatment strategy they prescribe. Make the necessary lifestyle changes. And keep up with at-home monitoring.
Embrace a healthy diet, physical activity habits, stress management, and other wellness strategies. If needed, join a support group in your community or online to help you stay motivated. While high blood pressure requires constant vigilance, you can absolutely live a full, active life by gaining the upper hand on your numbers.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of stage 2 hypertension?
There are usually no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, fatigue, chest pain, or dizziness. Rely on blood pressure readings rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
What blood pressure reading requires immediate medical attention?
A systolic (top number) blood pressure over 180 mmHg or a diastolic (bottom number) over 120 mmHg constitutes a hypertensive crisis. Seek emergency care if your blood pressure is this high to avoid organ damage.
How quickly can I lower my blood pressure of 162 mmHg?
With medication and lifestyle changes, most people can achieve a reading below 140/90 mmHg within a few months. Getting down to an ideal level below 130/80 mmHg may take 6 months to a year of proper treatment.
Is 162/110 more concerning than 162/82 blood pressure?
Yes, a higher diastolic bottom number adds additional cardiovascular strain. The ideal goal is under 130/80 mmHg. But focus first on lowering your systolic top number with your doctor's guidance.
Can I ever stop taking blood pressure medication?
People with stage 2 hypertension usually require medication for life. Stopping medication is extremely dangerous and can lead to heart attack, stroke, or death. Never adjust or quit medication without your doctor's supervision.
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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