Understanding 140/87 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a crucial aspect of overall health. It measures the force of blood against the walls of arteries as it flows through the body. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A reading of 140/87 is considered high blood pressure. In this article, we will explore what 140/87 blood pressure means, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is 140/87 Blood Pressure?
As mentioned earlier, blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The systolic pressure measures the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure measures the force of blood against the artery walls in between heartbeats. A blood pressure reading of 140/87 means that the systolic pressure is 140 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and the diastolic pressure is 87 mmHg. This reading is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.
Causes of 140/87 Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of 140/87 blood pressure include:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating a diet high in salt and fat
- Obesity or being overweight
- Stress and anxiety
- Age (as we get older, our blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to damage)
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea
If you have 140/87 blood pressure, it is important to identify the underlying cause so that you can take steps to manage or treat it.
Symptoms of 140/87 Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause any symptoms. However, if your blood pressure is extremely high, you may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment options for 140/87 Blood Pressure
If you have 140/87 blood pressure, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and possibly medication to help lower your blood pressure. Some lifestyle changes that can help include:
- Eating a healthy diet low in salt and fat
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication such as:
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for managing your blood pressure to prevent complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Conclusion
140/87 blood pressure is considered high blood pressure and can be caused by various factors such as family history, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and medical conditions. High blood pressure typically does not cause any symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medication. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your doctor to manage and treat it.
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