What Does 80/166 Blood Pressure Mean? Dangers of High Diastolic Readings

80 Blood Pressure: Is 166 Too Low for the Bottom Number?

Blood pressure is represented by two numbers, with the top number measuring systolic pressure and the bottom number measuring diastolic pressure. A reading of 80/166 indicates a systolic pressure of 80 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of 166 mm Hg. While 80 is considered normal for the systolic reading, 166 is an unusually high number for the diastolic reading.

What Do the Numbers in a Blood Pressure Reading Mean?

When assessing blood pressure, the systolic pressure represents the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. The diastolic pressure is the arterial pressure between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and refilling with blood.

In a blood pressure reading of 80/166:

• 80 is the systolic pressure, which is in the normal range
• 166 is the diastolic pressure, which is abnormally high

Normal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mm Hg. A systolic pressure of 80 mm Hg is optimal. However, a diastolic pressure of 166 mm Hg indicates moderately high blood pressure.

Is a Diastolic Pressure of 166 Dangerously High?

While not as severe as a hypertensive crisis, a diastolic pressure of 166 mm Hg is considered dangerously high blood pressure:

• A diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg is normal
• 90-99 mm Hg is mildly elevated
• 100-114 mm Hg is stage 1 hypertension
• 115-129 mm Hg is stage 2 hypertension
• 130-180 mm Hg is severely high blood pressure

A reading of 166 mm Hg falls in the range of severe isolated diastolic hypertension. This level of high blood pressure requires prompt medical treatment to prevent complications.

Risks and Complications

High diastolic pressure can overwork the heart and arteries, leading to damage over time. Some potential risks and complications of untreated severely high diastolic pressure include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Retinopathy

In addition, isolated diastolic hypertension tends to affect younger adults more than other forms of high blood pressure. Without treatment, it can take a major toll on the body over many years.

Causes and Contributing Factors

There are a few possible causes for diastolic blood pressure to reach 166 mm Hg:

• Untreated chronic hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia
• Endocrine disorders like Cushing's syndrome
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Medication side effects
• Illicit drug use

Lifestyle factors can also drive up diastolic pressure over time, such as:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Excess sodium intake
• Excess alcohol intake
• Smoking
• High stress

Isolated diastolic hypertension tends to have an underlying medical cause, rather than just lifestyle factors. Your doctor will help diagnose any contributing conditions.

Treatment Options

It's crucial to lower extremely high diastolic pressure to safer levels. Treatment options may include:

• Blood pressure medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers
• Improving diet by limiting sodium and eating nutrient-rich foods
• Increasing physical activity
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Trying stress-reduction techniques
• Treating underlying conditions causing hypertension

Most people with a diastolic pressure over 130 mm Hg will require medication to control it. Your doctor will help find the most effective medication regimen tailored to your health profile.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Lower Blood Pressure

In addition to medication, making lifestyle modifications can help control isolated diastolic hypertension:

• Follow the DASH diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; limit sodium, sweets, and red meat.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise like brisk walking.
• Reach or maintain a healthy body weight.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly at home.
• Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day max for women, 2 for men.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, counseling, or other methods.
• Get enough sleep; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Adopting healthier long-term habits can help control blood pressure and reduce the risks associated with hypertension.

FAQs About 80/166 Blood Pressure

Is 166 diastolic pressure an emergency?

A diastolic pressure of 166 is severely high and dangerous if left untreated. However, it is not high enough to be considered a hypertensive emergency requiring ER evaluation. But you should still see your doctor promptly to lower your blood pressure.

What organs can be damaged from high diastolic pressure?

Sustained high diastolic pressure puts strain on the heart and blood vessels that can damage the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys over time. This can lead to stroke, heart failure, retinopathy, kidney disease, and other problems.

Can you have a stroke from isolated diastolic hypertension?

Yes, severely high diastolic blood pressure does significantly increase stroke risk even with normal systolic pressure. The constant high pressure damages arteries, making them prone to blockages that can lead to stroke.

What is the most common cause of isolated diastolic hypertension?

Chronic untreated high blood pressure is the most common cause of isolated diastolic hypertension. Over time, prolonged elevation of the bottom number can occur without high systolic pressure.

How long can you safely have high diastolic pressure?

Its best to lower extremely high diastolic pressure within 1-2 weeks. Damage to blood vessels and organs can occur after even short periods of severe hypertension. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications from isolated diastolic 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.