122 88 Blood Pressure: What Does It Mean?
If you've recently had your blood pressure taken and the reading came back as 122/88, you may be wondering what it means. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts against the walls of your arteries as it flows through your body. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). In this article, we'll explore what a blood pressure reading of 122/88 means, what factors can affect your blood pressure, and what you can do to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Before we dive into what a blood pressure reading of 122/88 means, let's first take a look at what is considered a normal blood pressure range. According to the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure readings between 120/80 mm Hg and 129/89 mm Hg are considered elevated, while readings between 130/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg are considered stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
What Does a Blood Pressure Reading of 122/88 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 122/88 falls within the elevated blood pressure range. This means that while your blood pressure is not yet in the hypertension range, it is higher than what is considered normal. Elevated blood pressure can increase your risk of developing hypertension and other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Factors That Can Affect Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can affect your blood pressure, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Certain medications or supplements
If you have a blood pressure reading of 122/88, it's important to talk to your doctor about any risk factors you may have for hypertension and other health problems.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
If you have a blood pressure reading of 122/88, there are steps you can take to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, including:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Getting regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
- Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor, if necessary
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help reduce your risk of developing hypertension and other health problems associated with elevated blood pressure.
Conclusion
A blood pressure reading of 122/88 falls within the elevated blood pressure range, which can increase your risk of developing hypertension and other health problems. It's important to talk to your doctor about any risk factors you may have for hypertension and other health problems, and to make lifestyle changes to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. By doing so, you can help reduce your risk of developing hypertension and other health problems associated with elevated blood pressure.
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