142 84 Blood Pressure: Understanding the Numbers and What They Mean
Blood pressure is an important indicator of overall health. It measures the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart pumps it through your body. Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers, with the first number representing systolic pressure (the pressure when your heart beats) and the second number representing diastolic pressure (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).
What Does a Blood Pressure Reading of 142/84 Mean?
A blood pressure reading of 142/84 is considered high. The systolic pressure of 142 indicates that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your arteries. The diastolic pressure of 84 indicates that even when your heart is at rest, there is still too much pressure in your arteries.
High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to lower it if it is consistently high.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure. These include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Being inactive or not getting enough exercise
- Eating a diet high in sodium and low in potassium
- Having diabetes or other medical conditions
- Stress
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and develop a plan to lower it. This may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, as well as medications to help lower your blood pressure.
How Can You Lower High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, there are several steps you can take to lower it:
- Reduce your sodium intake by eating less processed and packaged foods and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Eat a diet that is high in potassium, which can help counteract the effects of sodium on your blood pressure.
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week.
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
- Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
By making these lifestyle changes and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health problems.
The Bottom Line
A blood pressure reading of 142/84 is considered high and requires attention. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and develop a plan to lower it. By making lifestyle changes and taking medications if necessary, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health problems.
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