133 83 Blood Pressure: What It Means and How to Manage It
When you go to the doctor for a check-up, one of the first things they will do is check your blood pressure. If your reading comes back as 133/83, you may be wondering what it means and if it's a cause for concern. In this article, we'll explore what a blood pressure reading of 133/83 means, what factors can contribute to it, and how you can manage it to maintain good health.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). The systolic pressure measures the force exerted on the arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure measures the force exerted on the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 129/84 mmHg is considered to be elevated, while a reading between 130/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered to be stage 1 hypertension. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered to be stage 2 hypertension.
What Does a Blood Pressure Reading of 133/83 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 133/83 mmHg falls within the elevated blood pressure range. This means that your blood pressure is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be considered hypertension. While elevated blood pressure is not an immediate cause for concern, it is a warning sign that you need to make lifestyle changes to prevent your blood pressure from rising further.
Factors That Can Contribute to Elevated Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to elevated blood pressure, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Unhealthy diet (high in salt, fat, and/or sugar)
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Age (blood pressure tends to rise with age)
- Gender (men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women until menopause)
How to Manage Elevated Blood Pressure
If you have a blood pressure reading of 133/83 mmHg or higher, there are several steps you can take to manage it:
- Lose weight if you're overweight or obese
- Increase your physical activity (try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week)
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress (try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga)
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and sugar
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
If you have a family history of high blood pressure or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent blood pressure checks or additional tests to monitor your health.
Conclusion
A blood pressure reading of 133/83 mmHg is considered to be elevated, but not yet high enough to be considered hypertension. With lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress, you can manage your blood pressure and prevent it from rising further. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor to develop a plan that works for you.
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