Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs that provide important information about the health of your heart and circulatory system. It measures the force your blood exerts on artery walls as it circulates through your body. Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers, for example 142/88 mmHg:
Systolic Pressure
The first and higher number represents your systolic pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood through your circulatory system.
Diastolic Pressure
The second and lower number is your diastolic pressure. This represents the pressure between heart beats, when your heart is at rest.
For a blood pressure reading of 142/88 mmHg:
- 142 mmHg is the systolic pressure
- 88 mmHg is the diastolic pressure
Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range is important to reduce your risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and other complications. But what do the numbers really mean?
What Does a Blood Pressure of 142 Mean?
A systolic pressure of 142 mmHg falls into the range of 140-159 mmHg. According to American Heart Association guidelines:
- A systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg is considered normal
- A reading of 120-129 mmHg is elevated
- A reading of 130-139 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension
- A reading of 140-159 mmHg is stage 2 hypertension
So on its own, a systolic pressure of 142 mmHg indicates stage 2 hypertension. This signals that your blood pressure is consistently above the normal range and intervention is likely needed.
Risks of Stage 2 Hypertension
Untreated, stage 2 hypertension comes with increased risks of:
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risks. That's why getting a reading like 142/88 evaluated and treated is so important.
Calculating Your Hypertension Stage
However, classifying hypertension isn't quite as simple as looking at the systolic or diastolic pressure alone. An accurate classification requires looking at both numbers together. Here's how the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines break down the stages of hypertension:
Normal
- Systolic lower than 120 mmHg
- Diastolic lower than 80 mmHg
Elevated
- Systolic between 120-129 mmHg
- Diastolic lower than 80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension
- Systolic between 130-139 mmHg
- Or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension
- Systolic at least 140 mmHg
- Or diastolic at least 90 mmHg
So in the case of 142/88 mmHg:
- The systolic pressure falls into stage 2 range
- But the diastolic pressure falls into stage 1 range
According to the guidelines, the higher value determines your stage. Therefore, a reading of 142/88 mmHg indicates stage 2 hypertension.
Treatment Options for Stage 2 Hypertension
The goal for treating stage 2 hypertension is to lower your blood pressure to under 130/80 mmHg through lifestyle changes and/or medication. Some of the most effective treatment options include:
Heart-healthy Diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help lower blood pressure. Limiting sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and alcohol intake is also important.
Regular Exercise
Getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, cardio, or strength training, can reduce blood pressure over time.
Weight Loss
Losing excess body weight is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure. Losing just 10 lbs can make a significant difference.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress and anxiety activate your fight-or-flight response, causing temporary blood pressure spikes. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to improve stress management.
Smoking Cessation
Smoking raises blood pressure and restricts blood flow. Quitting smoking can help improve your numbers.
Blood Pressure Medications
If lifestyle changes alone don't bring your blood pressure down, medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, or beta-blockers may be prescribed.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
When you have stage 2 hypertension, it's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to see if your treatment plan is working. Here are some tips:
Home Monitoring
Use a validated home blood pressure monitor to track your numbers between doctor visits. Check your blood pressure daily when first starting treatment and then a few times per week for maintenance.
Doctor Visits
See your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure measured accurately. This allows your doctor to assess your risk, adjust medications if needed, and check for complications.
Track with a Log
Recording your blood pressure readings in a log can help you monitor long-term changes and share important data with your provider.
Reduce Monitoring Anxiety
Try deep breathing and remain still before readings. Anxiety over monitoring can elevate results. Take multiple readings and use your average.
Getting your blood pressure to a healthy level is possible with the right lifestyle changes and treatment. Monitoring your progress provides the data you need to take control of your heart health.
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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