Understanding Blood Pressure Levels - Normal, Elevated, Hypertension

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs and an important indicator of your overall health. The numbers from a blood pressure reading give valuable information about the force your blood is exerting on artery walls as it circulates through your body. While a certain level of pressure is needed to push blood to all your tissues and organs, too much force can damage arteries and lead to serious health complications.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, usually written one above or before the other. The top number is your systolic pressure, which measures the amount of pressure in your arteries when the heart beats and pushes blood through your circulatory system. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats, when your heart is at rest.

For adults, normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. Stage 2 hypertension is 140 mmHg systolic or higher or 90 mmHg diastolic or higher. Hypertensive crisis is when systolic is over 180 and/or diastolic is over 120.

Systolic Blood Pressure Levels

Your systolic blood pressure reading provides the top number in a blood pressure measurement and is the highest level of pressure in your arteries. It measures the force at which your heart pumps blood into the arteries with each contraction.

Normal systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg. If your systolic reading is consistently around 120-129 mmHg, you have elevated blood pressure. Readings of 130-139 mmHg indicate stage 1 hypertension, while 140 mmHg or higher is stage 2 hypertension. A systolic reading over 180 mmHg signifies a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical attention.

120-129 mmHg - Elevated Blood Pressure

Systolic pressure between 120-129 mmHg with a diastolic reading less than 80 mmHg is classified as elevated blood pressure. At this level, your risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease is increased. Managing risk factors like smoking, lack of exercise, and being overweight can help prevent your elevated blood pressure from progressing.

130-139 mmHg - Stage 1 Hypertension

When your systolic pressure is between 130-139 mmHg or your diastolic pressure is 80-89 mmHg, you have stage 1 hypertension. At this level, you definitely have high blood pressure and need to make lifestyle changes and possibly take medication to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

140 mmHg or higher - Stage 2 Hypertension

A systolic reading of 140 mmHg or higher indicates more serious stage 2 hypertension. The higher the pressure, the greater your health risks. To reduce damage to your blood vessels and organs, treatment with medication plus lifestyle changes will be necessary. Lowering your systolic pressure below 140 mmHg is important for your health.

Over 180 mmHg - Hypertensive Crisis

A systolic reading over 180 mmHg signifies a hypertensive crisis that requires immediate emergency medical care. Extremely high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to organ damage. Hypertensive crisis can occur with severe untreated high blood pressure but may also be triggered by other conditions. Prompt treatment is needed to lower pressure and prevent complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

Diastolic Blood Pressure Levels

The diastolic blood pressure reading is the bottom number in your blood pressure measurement and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. It indicates the minimum pressure needed for blood to circulate.

Normal diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg. Readings of 80-89 mmHg signify stage 1 hypertension, while 90 mmHg and higher indicate more serious stage 2 high blood pressure. A diastolic measurement of over 120 mmHg is a hypertensive crisis.

Less than 80 mmHg - Normal

A diastolic reading lower than 80 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Healthy lifestyle habits help keep your diastolic pressure optimal.

80-89 mmHg - Stage 1 Hypertension

Diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg is classified as stage 1 hypertension, even when the systolic reading is normal. At this level, you should take steps like losing weight, exercising, reducing sodium, and limiting alcohol to get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor may recommend blood pressure medication if lifestyle changes are not enough.

90 mmHg or higher - Stage 2 Hypertension

A diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher indicates more serious stage 2 high blood pressure. The higher your diastolic pressure, the greater your health risks, especially for heart attack and stroke. Treatment with medication plus lifestyle changes will be needed to lower your blood pressure and prevent damage to your heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.

Over 120 mmHg - Hypertensive Crisis

A diastolic measurement higher than 120 mmHg represents a medical emergency. Extremely high pressure can overload and damage arteries, veins, and organs. Prompt emergency care is vital to reduce your blood pressure and prevent permanent damage. Once stabilized, ongoing treatment and lifestyle changes will be required to control your hypertension.

Risks of Uncontrolled Hypertension

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious health problems. The higher your blood pressure numbers, the greater your risks. That's why knowing your levels, making lifestyle changes, and taking medication if prescribed are so important.

Potential risks and complications of untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure include:

• Heart attack or heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney damage or failure
• Vision loss
• Peripheral artery disease
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Cognitive decline and dementia

Lowering elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure to a healthy range greatly reduces your chances of developing these complications. Even a small decrease in your pressure over time can make a big difference in protecting your health.

Improving Blood Pressure

If you have elevated or high blood pressure, focus on achieving and maintaining healthier numbers through these steps:

• Reach and stay at a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly - aim for 30+ minutes per day
• Follow a balanced, low sodium diet
• Limit alcohol to 1 drink a day for women or 2 for men
• Quit smoking and vaping
• Manage stress through meditation, yoga, etc.
• Monitor your pressure at home
• Stick to your medication regimen if prescribed

In addition to medication, making lifestyle modifications is essential to control high blood pressure, especially if you want to avoid having to take more medications down the road. By understanding your latest blood pressure numbers and taking steps to improve your levels, you can reduce your health risks and enhance your overall wellbeing.

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.