Understanding the Implications of 144/106 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers - the systolic pressure (top number) and the diastolic pressure (bottom number). 144/106 blood pressure means the systolic measurement is 144 mm Hg and the diastolic measurement is 106 mm Hg.
According to American Heart Association guidelines, blood pressure higher than 130/80 mm Hg is considered hypertension. 144/106 is well above the threshold for high blood pressure, putting you at major risk for complications.
Systolic Blood Pressure Risks
The 144 systolic pressure reflects the force blood exerts on artery walls as the heart beats. Chronically elevated systolic pressure weakens arteries and the heart muscle over time.
Risks associated with 144 systolic pressure encompass:
Heart Attack and Stroke
High systolic pressure strains arteries and leads to atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. This can trigger heart attacks or strokes if clots fully block arteries.
Aneurysms
Uncontrolled hypertension may cause aneurysms or dangerous balloon-like bulges in weakened arterial walls, which can then rupture and cause severe bleeding.
Heart Failure
The heart muscle thickens in response to prolonged elevated blood pressure. Over time, your overworked heart has trouble pumping efficiently. Fluid then backs up into lungs causing shortness of breath.
Hazards of 106 Diastolic Pressure
The 106 diastolic measurement reflects pressure in arteries between heartbeats as the heart refills with blood. Elevated diastolic pressure indicates stiffer artery walls resisting proper blood flow.
Risks connected to 106 diastolic pressure include:
Kidney Damage
High pressure damages the small filtering blood vessels inside the kidneys. This causes kidney disease and raises risks of eventual kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Vision Loss
Uncontrolled blood pressure strains the tiny arteries supplying blood to the retina. Retinopathy vision damage may progress to near blindness if untreated.
Cognitive Decline
Hypertension diminishes blood flow to the brain over time. This heightens risks for vascular dementia and cognitive impairment with aging.
Is 144/106 Considered a Hypertensive Crisis?
Extremely high blood pressure over 180/120 mm Hg may represent a hypertensive emergency requiring hospitalization. However, 144/106 is not high enough to indicate a current crisis.
That said, at this level, significant medication adjustments and lifestyle changes become necessary. Without treatment intervention, your pressures could continue rising to a critically high range.
Treatment Goals for 144/106 Readings
The top treatment priority with 144/106 blood pressure is lowering your numbers well below 130/80 mm Hg through medications and heart healthy lifestyle changes.
Treatment objectives include:
Gradually Reduce Pressures
Your doctor should establish a reasonable blood pressure tapering plan to prevent complications from a sudden pressure plunge.
Incorporate Lifestyle Changes
Adjusting your diet, activity levels, weight, alcohol intake and more can positively influence blood pressure control.
Carefully Monitor Readings
Tracking your lowered blood pressure numbers over time ensures medication and lifestyle changes are working. This allows treatment adjustments as needed.
Seeking Emergency Care for High Blood Pressure
While not an immediate crisis, 144/106 blood pressure requires prompt medical management. Contact emergency services right away if additional severe symptoms manifest, such as:
Chest Pain
Intense chest pain may indicate a heart attack needing emergency evaluation and treatment.
Sudden Vision Changes
Blurry, double or lost vision could reflect retina damage and necessitates rapid intervention.
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath may reflect fluid backing up into lungs as a result of heart failure induced by chronic high blood pressure.
Reporting other uncontrolled hypertension symptoms allows your doctor to intervene before complications worsen. Proper long-term treatment coupled with lifestyle changes can help mitigate risks associated with extremely high blood pressure.
FAQs
Is 144/106 blood pressure considered a hypertensive emergency?
No, 144/106 does not indicate a current hypertensive crisis emergency requiring hospitalization. But it is extremely high and demands prompt medication and lifestyle adjustments to prevent complications.
What lifestyle changes help lower 144/106 pressures?
Eating a heart healthy diet low in sodium, exercising regularly, losing extra weight, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and stress reduction techniques can all help lower high blood pressure.
Could 144/106 readings ever be normal for some people?
No, according to medical guidelines, any readings consistently over 130/80 mm Hg are too high. 144/106 needs treatment through medication and lifestyle changes to reduce risks.
How often should I track my blood pressure with readings this high?
With stage 2 hypertension indicated by 144/106, you should monitor your blood pressure daily to ensure medications are working and readings are descending toward normal levels below 130/80 mm Hg.
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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