Understanding 136/82 Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
When you visit your doctor for a check-up, one of the first things they do is check your blood pressure. It's a simple test that can provide a lot of information about your overall health. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. A reading of 136/82 is slightly elevated and may indicate prehypertension. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what this means, the causes, symptoms, and treatment of 136/82 blood pressure.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while the bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats when the heart is resting. A normal reading is considered to be 120/80 mmHg. However, a reading of 136/82 mmHg is slightly elevated and may indicate prehypertension.
Causes of 136/82 Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Family history of hypertension
- Being overweight or obese
- Inactivity
- Diet high in sodium and low in potassium
- Smoking
- Stress
- Chronic conditions (such as kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea)
It's important to identify the underlying cause of your high blood pressure in order to effectively manage it.
Symptoms of 136/82 Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms. However, some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Visual changes
- Blood in the urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment of 136/82 Blood Pressure
The goal of treatment for high blood pressure is to lower your blood pressure to a healthy range and to prevent complications. Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes (such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet)
- Medications (such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers)
- Regular monitoring of your blood pressure
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It's important to work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of these complications.
Conclusion
136/82 blood pressure is slightly elevated and may indicate prehypertension. It's important to identify the underlying cause of your high blood pressure and to work with your doctor to manage it. Lifestyle changes and medications can be effective in lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of complications. Remember to have your blood pressure checked regularly and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of high blood pressure.
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