Understanding 138/94 Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Blood pressure is an essential aspect of your health. It is the measure of the force that your blood exerts on your artery walls as it flows through your body. A healthy blood pressure reading should be around 120/80 mmHg. Anything higher than this indicates that you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
In this article, we will be focusing on a specific blood pressure reading, 138/94 mmHg. We will be discussing what this reading means, the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available.
What Does 138/94 Blood Pressure Mean?
When you get your blood pressure measured, the reading you get is composed of two numbers - the systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the top number, and it is the measure of the force your blood exerts on your artery walls when your heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the bottom number, and it is the measure of the force your blood exerts on your artery walls when your heart is at rest between beats.
The blood pressure reading 138/94 mmHg means that your systolic pressure is 138 mmHg, and your diastolic pressure is 94 mmHg. This reading falls under the category of stage 1 hypertension, which means that your blood pressure is elevated and needs to be monitored closely.
Symptoms of 138/94 Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, including 138/94 mmHg, is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because it typically has no symptoms. However, in some cases, you may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of 138/94 Blood Pressure
There are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Age - as you get older, your blood pressure tends to increase
- Family history - if your family has a history of high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it
- Obesity - being overweight or obese can increase your risk of high blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle - lack of physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure
- Smoking - smoking damages your blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure
- Stress - chronic stress can increase your blood pressure levels
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will work with you to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for 138/94 Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend the following treatment options:
- Lifestyle changes - adopting healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can help lower your blood pressure
- Medications - your doctor may prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers to help lower your blood pressure
- Combination therapy - in some cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help lower your blood pressure
It is essential to work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you. High blood pressure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
Conclusion
138/94 mmHg blood pressure falls under the category of stage 1 hypertension. It is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms. Making healthy lifestyle changes and working closely with your doctor can help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing complications such as heart disease or stroke.
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