128 81 Blood Pressure: Understanding the Basics
When you visit a doctor or a healthcare professional, one of the first things they will do is take your blood pressure. This is a routine procedure that helps them to determine the health of your heart and blood vessels. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force that blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. It is expressed in two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. In this article, we will explore what 128 81 blood pressure means and what it says about your health.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are given as two numbers, with the systolic pressure (the top number) given first and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) given second. A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be 120/80 mmHg or lower. This means that your systolic pressure is 120 mmHg or lower and your diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg or lower. A blood pressure reading of 128/81 mmHg falls within the range of what is considered to be prehypertension.
What is Prehypertension?
Prehypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as hypertension (high blood pressure). If your blood pressure is consistently in the prehypertension range, it means that you have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. This is because prehypertension can damage your blood vessels over time, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body.
Causes of Prehypertension
Prehypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. Some risk factors for prehypertension include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Not getting enough physical activity
- Smoking
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Eating a diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol
- Having diabetes or kidney disease
If you have prehypertension, it is important to make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and other related health issues.
Treatment for Prehypertension
The treatment for prehypertension typically involves making lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure. This may include:
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Getting regular physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol
- Reducing stress
If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your healthcare provider may also recommend medication to help lower your blood pressure.
Conclusion
Overall, a blood pressure reading of 128/81 mmHg falls within the prehypertension range, which means that your blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet considered to be high blood pressure. However, if your blood pressure consistently falls within this range, it is important to make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and related health issues in the future.
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