Understanding 138/87 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels as it flows through them. It is an important indicator of overall health and can help identify potential health issues before they become serious. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers, systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.
What is 138/87 Blood Pressure?
138/87 blood pressure is a reading that falls within the range of prehypertension. Prehypertension is defined as a systolic pressure reading of between 120 and 139 mmHg and a diastolic pressure reading of between 80 and 89 mmHg. While prehypertension is not considered high blood pressure, it is a warning sign that blood pressure is starting to rise and needs to be monitored closely.
Causes of 138/87 Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to prehypertension and high blood pressure, including:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet, including high sodium intake
- Stress
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Age
- Gender
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
Complications of High Blood Pressure
If left untreated, prehypertension can progress to hypertension, which is a more serious condition. Hypertension can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss
- Memory loss and other cognitive issues
Treatment and Prevention of High Blood Pressure
If you have prehypertension or high blood pressure, there are several things you can do to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
- Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor
Conclusion
138/87 blood pressure is a reading that falls within the prehypertension range. While not considered high blood pressure, it is important to monitor blood pressure closely and take steps to manage it in order to reduce the risk of complications. By making lifestyle changes and following your doctor's recommendations, you can lower your blood pressure and maintain good overall health.
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