Understanding 164/112 Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers - systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). 164/112 blood pressure indicates moderately high systolic pressure at 164 mmHg and stage 2 hypertensive diastolic pressure at 112 mmHg.
Blood pressure between 120-129/80-84 mmHg is considered elevated. 130-139/85-89 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension, while anything 140/90 mmHg or above is considered stage 2 hypertension. At 164/112 mmHg, your blood pressure is well into the stage 2 hypertension range.
Is 164/112 Dangerous Blood Pressure?
Yes, 164/112 mmHg is considered dangerous blood pressure. At these levels, you are at high risk for developing serious health complications like:
Heart Disease and Heart Attack
Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages arteries and makes them stiffer over time. This accelerates atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure puts additional strain on the heart and arteries.
Stroke
The strain of high pressure can cause weak areas in brain arteries to burst and bleed. It also promotes blockages that can cut off blood flow to parts of the brain, resulting in stroke.
Kidney Damage
The kidneys act as a filter for blood. High pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to function properly. This can lead to chronic kidney disease.
Vision Loss
High blood pressure can damage the retina's blood vessels or cause them to leak fluid. This results in vision changes or loss, and even blindness in severe cases.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and arms, resulting in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Symptoms include leg pain with walking and poor wound healing in extremities.
How Does 164/112 Affect Your Health?
Blood pressure of 164/112 indicates stage 2 hypertension. Here is a closer look at how pressure this high impacts your health:
Heart
The heart has to work harder to pump blood against increased resistance in the arteries. Over time, this causes left ventricular hypertrophy, or thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber. This increases risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Brain
High pressure damages blood vessels in the brain, making them more likely to block or burst. This drastically elevates risk of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke.
Kidneys
The high pressure and flow rate of blood damages the kidneys' delicate filter system. This impairs kidney function and eventually leads to failure.164/112 mmHg puts you at high risk for chronic kidney disease.
Eyes
Hypertensive retinopathy occurs when small arteries in the retina become narrowed and damaged from high blood pressure. This can obstruct blood flow to parts of the retina and lead to vision changes or loss.
Is 164/112 Considered a Hypertensive Crisis?
A hypertensive crisis is categorized by a systolic (top number) of 180 or higher and/or a diastolic (bottom number) of 120 or higher. So while 164/112 mmHg is dangerously high, it is not technically considered a hypertensive crisis.
A hypertensive crisis requires emergency medical treatment to prevent end organ damage. 164/112 mmHg is still considered a medical emergency, but the risk factors are slightly lower than a 180/120+ crisis scenario.
Managing 164/112 Blood Pressure
Bringing down 164/112 mmHg requires diligent monitoring and a treatment plan from your doctor. Lifestyle changes and medications will be needed to get your blood pressure under control.
Medications
Your doctor will likely prescribe one or more medications to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications:
- Diuretics help flush excess sodium and water from the body.
- ACE inhibitors prevent blood vessels from narrowing.
- Beta blockers slow the heart rate and reduce how hard it has to pump.
- Calcium channel blockers relax and open up arteries.
Dietary Changes
Adopting a heart-healthy diet can significantly improve blood pressure. Limit sodium, processed foods, saturated fat, sugar, and alcohol. Eat more fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats.
Exercise
Incorporating regular aerobic exercise and strength training can help lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress and anxiety activate the body's fight-or-flight response, elevating blood pressure. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or Tai Chi to calm the nervous system.
Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking helps improve blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as well.
What If 164/112 Is Untreated?
Leaving blood pressure of 164/112 mmHg untreated is extremely dangerous. Complications of uncontrolled hypertension include:
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney failure or chronic kidney disease
- Blindness
- Aneurysms
- Cognitive decline and dementia
High blood pressure causes extensive damage throughout the body when left unmanaged. Work closely with your doctor and take all prescribed medications as directed. Lifestyle changes are also critical.
What Should Your Blood Pressure Goal Be?
The ideal blood pressure goal will depend on your age and individual health profile:
- Below 120/80 mmHg for most healthy adults
- 130-139/81-89 mmHg for adults over age 65
- 140/90 mmHg or less for adults with diabetes or chronic kidney disease
Work with your doctor to determine your personalized blood pressure target. This will guide treatment and lifestyle changes needed to minimize your risk of complications.
Preventing Blood Pressure Spikes
Here are some tips to help prevent sudden blood pressure spikes:
- Check blood pressure regularly
- Take medications as prescribed
- Reduce sodium intake
- Stay active and exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Lose extra weight if overweight
Closely monitoring your blood pressure and sticking to treatment plans and lifestyle changes can help keep levels stable and reduce spikes.
The Bottom Line on 164/112 mmHg
Blood pressure of 164/112 is dangerously high and puts you at significant risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Lowering your blood pressure requires medication, dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction, and smoking cessation.
Work closely with your doctor and take steps to get your blood pressure down to a healthy range. This will minimize damage to your heart, brain, kidneys and other organs.
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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