Understanding a Blood Pressure Reading of 123/98 mm Hg

Understanding 123/98 Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers, such as 123/98, that measure the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and rests. The top number, called systolic pressure, represents the pressure when the heart contracts. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure between heart beats when the heart refills with blood. Together, these two numbers provide important information about the status of your cardiovascular health.

What Does a Reading of 123/98 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 123/98 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) indicates elevated blood pressure, but not high enough to be considered hypertension. Specifically, the systolic pressure is in the elevated range and the diastolic pressure is in the normal range.

According to American Heart Association guidelines:

A systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg is considered normal
A systolic pressure between 120-129 mm Hg is elevated
A systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertension

For diastolic pressure:

Less than 80 mm Hg is considered normal
Between 80-89 mm Hg is elevated
90 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertension

Understanding Elevated Readings

With a systolic pressure of 123 mm Hg, the reading falls into the elevated category, also referred to as prehypertension. This means that while blood pressure is not yet high enough for a diagnosis of hypertension, it is higher than normal and needs to be monitored.

Elevated blood pressure places extra strain on the heart and arteries. Without treatment and lifestyle changes, elevated readings often progress to full hypertension over time. Catching and addressing prehypertension early is important for heart health.

Lifestyle Changes for 123/98 Readings

Even though elevated blood pressure alone usually does not require medication, it should not be ignored. Following healthy lifestyle recommendations can potentially bring your numbers back down and reduce cardiovascular risks.

Tips for managing 123/98 blood pressure include:

Following a heart-healthy diet low in sodium, fat, and refined sugars
Exercising regularly with a mix of cardio and strength training
Losing excess weight
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol if applicable
Trying stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation

Understanding Blood Pressure Classifications

In addition to considering individual systolic and diastolic pressures, overall blood pressure readings can be classified into categories based on severity.

These classifications can help guide treatment protocols to reduce cardiovascular disease risk associated with hypertension.

Normal Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is defined as a reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg. At this level, the risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease is low. Monitoring blood pressure on an annual basis is still recommended to screen for changes over time.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure ranges from 120-129 for systolic pressure and less than 80 for diastolic pressure. As described above, this range signals caution and the need for lifestyle interventions even though it is not diagnosed as hypertension.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Hypertension

Readings of 130-139/80-89 mm Hg indicate Stage 1 Hypertension, while readings 140/90 mm Hg or higher signify Stage 2. Doctors typically prescribe blood pressure lowering medication for people in Stage 1 as well as Stage 2.

The risk for cardiovascular disease doubles with every increment increase in blood pressure. Bringing levels down to normal reduces the odds of adverse health events significantly.

Getting an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

In order to interpret your blood pressure numbers correctly, whether 123/98 or another reading, having an accurate measurement is key. Here is what to know about getting reliable blood pressure readings:

Use Proper Technique

The American Heart Association provides directions for measuring blood pressure accurately, including:

Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise 30 minutes prior
Use arm at heart level with feet flat on floor
Take measurement after 5 minutes of quiet rest
Use properly calibrated equipment

Avoid White Coat Syndrome

Anxiety in a medical setting can elevate readings by as much as 30 mm Hg. Using an at home monitor and tracking trends over time helps account for situations where a single reading may be noticeably higher or lower than normal.

Monitor Both Numbers

Looking at changes in both systolic and diastolic pressures gives the most complete picture of cardiovascular health over time. Relying only on systolic pressure risks missing early signs of elevation in the diastolic reading.

Discuss any concerns over changing blood pressure trends with your physician. Managing elevated levels when caught early can significantly impact long term heart health.

FAQs

Is a blood pressure of 123/98 high?

No, a reading of 123/98 is not considered high blood pressure. However, the systolic number of 123 indicates elevated pressure, which is the stage before hypertension and still signals increased risk.

What are the ranges for normal vs. high blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated ranges from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. High blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg or above, which includes Stage 1 (130-139/80-89 mm Hg) and Stage 2 (140/90 or above).

Do I need medication if my blood pressure is 123/98?

In most cases, elevated blood pressure at 123/98 does not require medication. However, adopting lifestyle changes like more exercise, a healthier diet, and stress management is important to lower your risk of developing true hypertension.

How often should 123/98 blood pressure be checked?

Experts recommend getting blood pressure rechecked within 1 month after finding an elevated reading like 123/98. Ongoing monitoring, whether at home or with your doctor, is also advised to watch for further increases over time.

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.