What Does 138/75 Blood Pressure Mean?
Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, such as 138/75 mm Hg. The top number, called the systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number, called the diastolic blood pressure, refers to the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.
A blood pressure reading of 138/75 mm Hg means that your systolic blood pressure is 138 mm Hg, and your diastolic blood pressure is 75 mm Hg. This blood pressure is considered in the normal range.
Normal Blood Pressure Range
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. However, blood pressure between 120/80 mm Hg and 129/79 mm Hg is still considered normal.
Here is the AHA's categorization of different blood pressure levels:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120-129/<79 mm Hg
- High Blood Pressure Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mm Hg
- High Blood Pressure Stage 2: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
- Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg
Based on these categories, a reading of 138/75 mm Hg falls into the normal range.
Benefits of 138/75 Blood Pressure
There are several health benefits associated with maintaining a normal blood pressure like 138/75 mm Hg:
- Lower risk of heart disease and stroke - High blood pressure damages arteries and makes them stiffer over time. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Normal blood pressure helps reduce this damage.
- Reduced strain on the heart - The heart has to work harder to pump blood against higher pressure. Normal blood pressure reduces this workload.
- Decreased chance of organ damage - Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to damage to organs like the eyes, kidneys and brain over time. Normal blood pressure minimizes this risk.
- Increased life expectancy - Studies show that normal blood pressure is associated with living a longer, healthier life compared to high blood pressure.
Overall, maintaining a blood pressure around 138/75 mm Hg promotes good cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of hypertension complications.
Contributing Factors
There are a variety of factors that help keep blood pressure in the normal 138/75 mm Hg range:
- Healthy diet - Eating a diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy can help normalize blood pressure.
- Regular exercise - Getting regular aerobic and strength-training exercise helps lower blood pressure by strengthening the heart.
- Healthy weight - Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the workload on the cardiovascular system.
- Not smoking - Avoiding tobacco use allows blood pressure to remain in a healthier range.
- Limited alcohol - Drinking alcohol moderately, if at all, prevents spikes in blood pressure.
- Managing stress - Effectively coping with mental and emotional stress prevents temporary blood pressure elevations.
Making lifestyle adjustments like these can help you achieve and maintain normal 138/75 mm Hg blood pressure if you have high blood pressure issues.
When to See Your Doctor
A blood pressure reading around 138/75 mm Hg is considered normal for most adults. However, you should still see your doctor regularly for blood pressure screenings and monitoring.
Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure more frequently if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Over the age of 65
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Family history of high blood pressure
- African American ethnicity
It's important to discuss your blood pressure goals with your doctor. They may advise slightly lower target numbers depending on your health history and risk factors. This gives your doctor a chance to monitor for potential issues and make medication adjustments if needed.
You should also see your doctor right away if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, since this may signal a hypertensive crisis requiring emergency treatment.
Tips for Maintaining 138/75 Blood Pressure
Here are some helpful tips for maintaining healthy 138/75 mm Hg blood pressure:
Follow the DASH Diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, sweets and red meats.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Consuming too much sodium causes fluid retention, making it harder for blood to flow through the arteries. The AHA recommends limiting sodium to no more than 2,300 mg per day.
Exercise Regularly
Getting at least 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise like brisk walking helps control blood pressure. Strength training is also beneficial for managing blood pressure.
Lose Extra Weight
Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system. Losing just 10 lbs can help lower blood pressure in those who are overweight. Focus on reaching a healthy BMI.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol regularly can cause blood pressure to rise. Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day, women 1 drink per day.
Don't Smoke
Smoking damages blood vessels and causes immediate spikes in blood pressure. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular health.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress and anxiety can disrupt the body's hormone regulation, leading to high blood pressure. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help.
Monitor at Home
Tracking your blood pressure at home allows you to catch any fluctuations and make lifestyle changes. Invest in a validated, upper-arm cuff monitor for most accurate readings.
Maintaining healthy 138/75 mm Hg blood pressure reduces your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other hypertension complications. Partner with your doctor and make heart-healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood pressure optimized.
FAQs
Is 138/75 considered normal blood pressure?
Yes, a blood pressure reading of 138/75 mm Hg is well within the normal range. According to American Heart Association guidelines, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. A reading between 120-129/79 mm Hg is still considered normal.
What are the health benefits of maintaining 138/75 blood pressure?
Keeping your blood pressure around 138/75 mm Hg offers several benefits, including lower risk of heart disease, reduced strain on the heart, decreased chance of organ damage, and increased life expectancy.
What lifestyle changes help keep blood pressure at 138/75?
Eating a healthy diet low in sodium, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can all help maintain normal 138/75 mm Hg blood pressure.
How often should I get my blood pressure checked?
You should have your blood pressure checked at least once per year by your doctor, or more frequently if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes or family history of hypertension. You can also monitor it regularly at home.
When should I worry about a 138/75 blood pressure reading?
In general, 138/75 mm Hg is normal. However, discuss your target blood pressure range with your doctor, as they may advise lower numbers depending on your health history. Seek emergency care if your reading exceeds 180/120 mm Hg.
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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