Understanding Blood Pressure of 108 mmHg and Hypertension Severity

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is an important health metric that can provide insight into your overall cardiovascular health. It measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body.

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers - the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure:

• Systolic pressure - the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats
• Diastolic pressure - the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. This is typically written as 120/80 mmHg.

Categorizing Hypertension Severity

If your blood pressure reading is consistently elevated, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is classified into categories based on the severity:

• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
• Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher

The Meaning of 108 Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading of 108 refers to a systolic pressure of 108 mmHg and a diastolic pressure that is unknown. Since only the systolic number is provided, it is incomplete information to categorize severity.

However, a systolic pressure of 108 mmHg on its own falls within the elevated blood pressure range. While not yet considered hypertension, it is higher than the ideal blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg.

Health Impacts of Elevated Blood Pressure

Maintaining blood pressure in the normal range is important for preserving health. As blood pressure increases into the elevated or hypertensive ranges, your risks of developing certain cardiovascular diseases also rise.

Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Over time, the force of elevated blood pressure damages the delicate tissues inside arteries. Fatty deposits and plaque build up, narrowing the passageways through which blood flows. If these plaques rupture, they can cause clots that block blood and oxygen from reaching the heart or brain resulting in heart attack or stroke.

The risk of these events increases continuously starting at a systolic blood pressure of 115 mmHg. Even blood pressure in the elevated range, while not yet constituting hypertension, carries increased risk compared to ideal blood pressure readings.

Damage to Blood Vessels and Organs

Elevated pressure in the blood vessels also inflicts damage on the delicate tissues lining the arteries. As injury accumulates over months and years, arteries stiffen and lose flexibility. This compounds the elevation in blood pressure and results in further damage throughout the circulatory system.

Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can inflict damage on blood vessels within organs including the eyes, kidneys, and brain. This can potentially lead to blindness, kidney failure, and cognitive decline.

Treatment for Elevated Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is in the elevated range or you have received a diagnosis of hypertension, taking steps to lower it can help reduce your risk of associated health complications. Some tips for lowering elevated blood pressure include:

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is the first line of treatment for elevated blood pressure and can help delay or prevent the need for medication in some individuals:

• Following a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats
• Reducing sodium intake
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
• Stress management techniques

Blood Pressure Medications

If blood pressure remains elevated despite lifestyle changes, various oral medications can help lower it into the normal range. Some common types of blood pressure medications include:

• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics

Treatment plans are individualized based on medical history and how much reduction is needed to reach target blood pressure levels.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Keeping track of your blood pressure over time is important for preserving cardiovascular health. Here are some tips for monitoring your levels:

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

Using an automatic home blood pressure monitor allows you to conveniently check your numbers on your own schedule. Tracking morning and evening readings for a period of time provides helpful data to discuss with your doctor.

Doctor Visits

It's essential to have regular well visits with your physician. He or she will measure your blood pressure and help interpret what your recent numbers mean for your health.

Recording Your Readings

Keeping a written log of your blood pressure readings allows you and your doctor to analyze trends over time. This helps guide treatment measures to keep your levels well-controlled.

Consistently elevated blood pressure, even in the higher end of normal, can lead to health complications if left untreated. Work closely with your physician and follow treatment recommendations to keep your readings optimized.

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.