122 86 Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
Have you recently measured your blood pressure and found that it is 122/86? If so, you may be wondering if this is a normal reading and what it means for your health. In this article, we will explain what blood pressure is, what a reading of 122/86 means, and what you can do to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
What Does a Reading of 122/86 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 122/86 is considered to be in the prehypertension range. This means that your blood pressure is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered hypertension (high blood pressure).
Prehypertension is a warning sign that your blood pressure is trending upward and that you may be at risk for developing hypertension if you do not take steps to lower your blood pressure.
What Causes Prehypertension?
There are several factors that can contribute to prehypertension, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Unhealthy diet (high in sodium and low in potassium)
- Family history of high blood pressure
How Can You Lower Your Blood Pressure?
If you have a blood pressure reading of 122/86, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing hypertension:
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Get regular physical activity
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sodium and high in potassium
- Limit alcohol consumption
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have a blood pressure reading of 122/86, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly and make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains in the prehypertension range despite these changes, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.
Conclusion
A blood pressure reading of 122/86 is considered to be in the prehypertension range and is a warning sign that your blood pressure is trending upward. By making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, getting regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing hypertension. If your blood pressure remains high despite these changes, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
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