Understanding the Health Risks of 133/100 Blood Pressure

Understanding 133/100 Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is an important health indicator that can provide insight into the risk for certain conditions. The blood pressure reading consists of two numbers - the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A reading of 133/100 indicates stage 2 hypertension, which means the blood pressure is consistently elevated to an unhealthy level.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Specifically, a blood pressure of 133/100 means that the systolic pressure, when the heart beats and pumps blood, reaches 133 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The diastolic pressure, when the heart relaxes between beats, reaches 100 mmHg. Both of these numbers are above the healthy range.

A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. If the reading is between 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, it is elevated. Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. Anything 140/90 or higher is considered stage 2 hypertension.

Risks of 133/100 Blood Pressure

The higher the blood pressure, the greater the strain on the heart, blood vessels and other organs like the kidneys. Over time, consistently elevated levels can start to cause damage that leads to complications.

Some of the risks associated with stage 2 hypertension like 133/100 include:

• Heart attack or heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney damage or failure
• Vision loss
• Peripheral artery disease
• Dementia

Lifestyle Changes for 133/100 Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is consistently reaching 133/100 mmHg or higher, its time to make heart-healthy lifestyle modifications. Some tips include:

• Losing excess weight
• Exercising regularly
• Following a balanced, nutritious diet
• Cutting back on alcohol and salty foods
• Quitting smoking to improve blood vessel function
• Trying stress relief techniques like meditation

Making these healthy changes can potentially help lower your blood pressure to safer levels. Some people are able to reduce blood pressure enough to lower or avoid medication needs.

Medical Treatment for 133/100 Blood Pressure

If lifestyle measures alone don't bring that top number down below 130 or the bottom number down below 80 mmHg, medication is typically prescribed. Options include:

• Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup
• ACE inhibitors to widen blood vessels
• Alpha blockers to also relax blood vessels
• Beta blockers to ease the workload on the heart
• Calcium channel blockers to prevent calcium buildup and relax vessels

Most people need a combination of blood pressure medications to reach their goal. This depends on the individual and existing health conditions. Following doctor's orders carefully and taking meds consistently is key.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Occasionally, blood pressure may spike extremely high - usually when another underlying condition or factor is present. This hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical attention to prevent organ damage, especially loss of vision, kidney failure, stroke, or a heart attack.

Go to an emergency room or urgent care right away if your blood pressure reading is 180/120 mmHg or greater and you have symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Back pain
• Pounding heart rate
• Facial numbness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting

Prompt treatment for spiking blood pressure is vital to save lives in these crisis situations.

The Takeaway

Having blood pressure consistently in the 133/100 mmHg range is serious. It puts you at significantly greater risk over time for life-threatening health problems.

Bringing those numbers down through heart healthy lifestyle choices offers protection. But medication is still likely to be needed for most people to achieve a reading below 130/80 mmHg.

Working closely with your doctor for treatment, screenings and careful monitoring is imperative to help safeguard your wellbeing against the dangers of hypertension.

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.