Understanding 138/85 Blood Pressure Readings
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it flows through your body. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80, but what does it mean if your blood pressure reading is 138/85?
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings are typically given as two numbers, with the first number representing systolic pressure and the second number representing diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart is at rest between beats.
When your blood pressure reading is 138/85, the 138 represents your systolic pressure and the 85 represents your diastolic pressure. This reading falls into the category of stage 1 hypertension, which means that your blood pressure is higher than normal and you may be at risk for health problems if it is not managed properly.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of high blood pressure include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Not getting enough physical activity
- Eating a diet high in sodium and processed foods
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Having an underlying health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease
- Taking certain medications
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause any symptoms until it becomes severe. Some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure and can be caused by other health conditions.
Risks of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase your risk for several serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Erectile dysfunction
It is important to manage your blood pressure to reduce your risk for these health problems.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications to help manage your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes may include:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Reducing your sodium intake
- Limited alcohol consumption
Medications for high blood pressure may include:
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a common health condition that can increase your risk for serious health problems if left unmanaged. If your blood pressure reading is 138/85, it falls into the category of stage 1 hypertension and you may be at risk for health problems if it is not managed properly. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and/or medications that can help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk for health problems.
Post a Comment for "Understanding 138/85 Blood Pressure Readings"