Understanding 124 86 Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by elevated blood pressure levels that can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. One of the most common blood pressure readings is 124/86 mmHg. In this article, we will explore what this reading means and how it can affect your health.

What is Blood Pressure?

Before diving into the specifics of 124 86 blood pressure, it's important to understand what blood pressure is and how it is measured. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. It is measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic reading is the top number, which represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic reading is the bottom number, which represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, such as 124/86 mmHg. A reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal blood pressure. Readings between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg are considered prehypertension, while readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher are considered high blood pressure.

What Does a Blood Pressure Reading of 124/86 Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 124/86 mmHg falls within the prehypertension range. This means that your blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered hypertension. However, it is still a cause for concern and should be monitored closely to prevent it from becoming more serious.

Prehypertension is a warning sign that you are at risk for developing high blood pressure and the associated health complications. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing hypertension.

Causes of Prehypertension

There are many factors that can contribute to prehypertension and high blood pressure. Some of the most common causes include:

• Age: As you get older, your blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to damage, which can lead to high blood pressure.
• Family history: If your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it as well.
• Diet: A diet high in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.
• Lack of exercise: Regular exercise helps to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and can help to lower your blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of developing hypertension.
• Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and can cause them to narrow, which can lead to high blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as the "silent killer." The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured by a healthcare professional.

In some cases, people with extremely high blood pressure may experience symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and chest pain. However, these symptoms are rare and usually only occur in cases of severe hypertension.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

If you have prehypertension or high blood pressure, there are many treatment options available to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing health complications. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can all help to lower your blood pressure.
• Medications: There are many medications available that can help to lower your blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat high blood pressure.

Conclusion

124 86 blood pressure is a prehypertension reading that indicates that your blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered hypertension. It is important to monitor your blood pressure closely and make lifestyle changes to prevent it from becoming more serious. If you have high blood pressure, there are many treatment options available to help you manage your condition and reduce your risk of developing health complications.