Understanding 177/107 Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is an important health indicator that can provide insight into the status of your cardiovascular system. The numbers associated with blood pressure, such as 177/107, correspond to the systolic and diastolic pressures in the arteries.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic on the bottom. For example:
117/76 mmHg
The top number, known as systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the circulatory system. The bottom number, or diastolic blood pressure, refers to the pressure present during the relaxation phase between heart beats.
Normal Range for Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure levels can vary slightly by age and general health, but a reading around 120/80 mmHg is considered within the normal range for most adults. As the numbers rise above 120/80 mmHg, the blood pressure classifications include:
- Elevated: 120-129/80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
A reading of 177/107 mmHg, then, would indicate dangerously high blood pressure in the Stage 2 hypertension category.
Dangers of 177/107 mmHg Blood Pressure
When blood pressure reaches the 177/107 level, urgent medical intervention is required to lower it and protect health. Chronic values this high put a dangerous strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to issues such as:
Heart Attack and Stroke
Extremely high blood pressure can allow plaque formations along artery walls to rupture, leading to occlusion and true medical emergencies like heart attack or stroke. The heart muscle or brain tissue then get severely damaged due to lack of blood flow.
Kidney Damage
The small blood vessels in the kidneys can be damaged when trying to filter blood at such elevated pressures over time. Kidney injury and disease can set in.
Eye Damage
The tiny capillaries nourishing eye structures do not fare well against 177/107 blood pressure. Vision loss from detached retinas or macular bleeding may occur.
Aneurysms
Ballooning weak spots called aneurysms can develop in blood vessels anywhere in the body, leading to dangerous ruptures and severe internal bleeding if pressures are not controlled.
Causes and Risk Factors for 177/107 Blood Pressure
A number of scenarios can contribute to blood pressure spiking up to the 177/107 level. It is important to understand these causes in order to properly manage the condition.
Existing Hypertension
Those who already have chronic high blood pressure are at increased risk should they abandon medication usage or lifestyle adjustments allowing BP to rise. A reading of 177/107 mmHg may result.
High Salt Intake
Consuming foods rich in sodium allows extra fluid retention by the blood vessels, making pressures climb higher.
Stress
Hormones released during the "fight or flight" stress response can directly impact blood pressure. Pressures of 177/107 mmHg could occur during severe or prolonged stress.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Spikes from substance abuse on top of an existing hypertensive state can push blood pressure up to critical levels.
Medication Interactions
Certain over-the-counter cold remedies, prescription drugs, herbal products and illicit substances are associated with rising blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Severe cases of preeclampsia during pregnancy can suddenly spike blood pressure to 177/107 levels and higher.
Kidney Issues
Diseases interfering with proper kidney function allow fluid retention, potassium imbalances, and hormones issues that contribute to climbing blood pressure.
Treating 177/107 mmHg Blood Pressure
Upon detecting blood pressure at or exceeding 177/107 mmHg, promptly seeking medical evaluation is imperative. Once the immediate health threat has passed, managing such severe hypertension involves:
Medications
A tailored regimen of prescription blood pressure medications is necessary, often requiring multiple drug classes for adequate control.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle modifications including weight loss, exercise, balanced nutrition, stress relief techniques, and smoking/alcohol cessation reinforce medication benefits.
Home Monitoring
Using a home blood pressure monitoring cuff allows tracking of readings to make sure medications and lifestyle changes are working to keep levels controlled.
Medical Care
Those with blood pressure reaching 177/107 mmHg require frequent doctor follow-up visits and lab testing to monitor for organ damage and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Ignoring extremely high blood pressure of 177/107 mmHg can have fatal consequences. Seeking prompt medical treatment and sticking to a treatment plan helps mitigate risks of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and additional health deteriorations from inadequately controlled high blood pressure.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of 177/107 blood pressure?
There may be no clear symptoms. Some people experience headaches, vision changes, nosebleeds, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in urine or a pounding sensation in the chest, neck or ears.
What is considered a medical emergency with high blood pressure?
A reading above 180/120 mmHg is considered a “hypertensive crisis” requiring emergency care. Readings at or above 177/107 mmHg are extremely dangerous and require prompt medical treatment.
What is the best diet for high blood pressure?
The DASH diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean meats; restricting sugar, sodium, alcohol and processed foods can help lower blood pressure.
Can high blood pressure be cured?
There is no cure, but using medications as prescribed, home monitoring, lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, weight control, no smoking) and medical follow ups can control blood pressure and reduce health risks.
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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