Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs that provide insight into your overall health. It measures the force your blood exerts on artery walls as it circulates through your body. Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers - the systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number).
A reading of 143 is considered elevated blood pressure. Specifically, the 143 refers to the systolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. To understand whether 143 is concerning, it helps to know how blood pressure ranges are categorized.
Blood Pressure Classifications
Here are the general blood pressure categories based on readings in adults:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129/Less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
A reading of 143/XX mmHg falls into the Stage 1 hypertension range. This signals mildly high blood pressure that should be monitored and controlled.
What Does a Reading of 143 Mean?
On its own, a systolic reading of 143 is not alarming. But over time it can lead to health complications if left untreated. Here is what a blood pressure of 143 typically indicates:
Mild Hypertension
A systolic pressure of 143 meets the criteria for Stage 1 hypertension. This means the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood through the narrowing arteries.
Increased Heart Risks
The 143 level represents higher-than-normal stress on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this accelerates damage and thickness in the artery walls and increases risks for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
No Immediate Danger
While 143 is elevated, it is not high enough to cause acute issues on its own. However, combined with other risk factors like smoking, obesity, or diabetes, it signify increased danger of cardiovascular events.
Room for Improvement
The goal is to get blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. So a reading of 143 gives clear indication that lifestyle changes, medications, or further evaluation may be needed to lower and control your numbers.
What Does the Bottom Number Mean?
When assessing high blood pressure, both the systolic and diastolic numbers are important. The diastolic reading (bottom number) represents pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Normal diastolic pressure should be less than 80 mmHg.
While a systolic pressure of 143 is concerning on its own, diastolic pressure provides additional useful context. For example:
- 143/60 is better than 143/90
- A diastolic over 90 is severe hypertension
- An elevated diastolic signifies greater risks
Ideally, you want both numbers to be within a healthy range. Talk to your doctor about target goals for your systolic and diastolic pressures.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower High Blood Pressure
Here are some positive steps you can take to lower your blood pressure if you have a reading of 143/XX mmHg:
Lose Extra Weight
Excess body weight puts more pressure on your circulatory system. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can make a significant impact on lowering blood pressure.
Exercise Regularly
Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, swimming, or biking. This helps lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Limit sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and processed foods.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking more than moderate levels of alcohol can increase blood pressure. Men should limit to 2 drinks or less per day, women 1 drink or less.
Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and causes chronically elevated blood pressure. Quitting improves cardiovascular health.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress leads to tense muscles, hormones changes, and increased heart rate/blood pressure. Relaxation techniques help reverse these effects.
Making lifestyle modifications enhances medications' effectiveness too. Discuss specific diet and exercise plans with your doctor to create a blood pressure management regimen tailored to your needs.
When Medications Are Needed
Sometimes lifestyle adjustments alone aren't enough to lower blood pressure into a healthy range. If your readings remain 143/XX or higher, your doctor may prescribe medications.
There are many different classes of blood pressure medications that work in various ways. Common options include:
- Diuretics - Help flush out excess sodium and fluid to relax blood vessels.
- ACE inhibitors - Block effects of angiotensin, a hormone causing blood vessels to narrow.
- Beta blockers - Slow heart rate and reduce heart's workload.
- Calcium channel blockers - Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells to allow relaxation.
Your doctor will consider your medical history, risk factors, and input to determine the most appropriate medication(s). Be patient, as it may take some trial and error to find the right regimen that brings your blood pressure down to normal levels.
Monitoring Your Response to Medications
After starting a new blood pressure drug, your doctor should follow up within a month to check your response. Tell them if you're experiencing side effects so adjustments can be made if needed. Most people require 2 or more medications to control stubborn high blood pressure.
With consistent use of effective medication(s), lifestyle management, and follow up care, it's possible to get a reading of 143/XX mmHg down to healthy numbers and maintain results long term.
Risks of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure
Bringing high blood pressure under control is essential for preserving your health. Unchecked high blood pressure (143/XX or greater) over many years places you at risk for:
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney damage or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Memory and cognitive decline
The longer blood pressure stays elevated, the more damage is caused to blood vessels and organs. That's why timely treatment guided by your doctor is vital, especially if your readings don't improve with initial lifestyle changes.
Partnering With Your Doctor
Controlling blood pressure is a team effort between you and your physician. Be prepared with any questions and report symptoms or side effects you're having. This allows your doctor to provide the best care and modifications to get your blood pressure where it needs to be.
Follow your treatment plan consistently, attend follow up appointments, and monitor your blood pressure at home. This demonstrates your commitment to achieving results and helps your doctor know what's working versus what may need adjustment.
The Takeaway on a Blood Pressure of 143
A systolic blood pressure reading of 143 mmHg signals Stage 1 hypertension. This level carries increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and other complications if left uncontrolled over time. The good news is hypertension is manageable through lifestyle strategies and medication.
Work closely with your doctor on a treatment plan. Medication combined with weight loss, exercise, diet, and stress management can safely bring high numbers down. Commit to your regimen, follow up consistently, and keep your doctor informed. This provides the key to effectively lowering and controlling blood pressure for better health.
FAQs
Is a blood pressure of 143/85 dangerous?
A reading of 143/85 signifies mild hypertension. While not an emergency level, it does increase risks of heart disease and stroke over time if uncontrolled. Lifestyle changes and medication can help bring it down to a safer zone.
What are symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or dizziness. Checking your numbers is the only way to detect hypertension.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
When first diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should check it daily at home to monitor response to medication changes. Once controlled, home checks 1-2 times per week are recommended.
Will I have to be on blood pressure medication forever?
Many people do require lifelong medication to control hypertension. However, with substantial weight loss and lifestyle changes, some individuals are able to reduce or eliminate the need for medications under doctor supervision.
What foods help lower blood pressure?
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and foods rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure. Limit sodium, saturated and trans fats, sugar, and alcohol.
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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