138 over 88 Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people worldwide. It's a condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. One common question people have is, what does it mean when my blood pressure is 138 over 88? In this article, we'll explore what these numbers mean, what causes high blood pressure, and how you can manage it.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
When you get your blood pressure checked, you'll receive two numbers. The first number is your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.
So, in the case of 138 over 88 blood pressure, 138 is the systolic blood pressure and 88 is the diastolic blood pressure. The unit of measurement for blood pressure is millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
What Does 138 over 88 Blood Pressure Mean?
According to the American Heart Association, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. A reading between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg is considered to be prehypertension. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered to be hypertension.
So, a blood pressure reading of 138 over 88 falls into the prehypertension category. It means that you have a higher risk of developing hypertension in the future if you don't take steps to manage your blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Age
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Unhealthy diet
In some cases, high blood pressure can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid problems.
Managing High Blood Pressure
If you have prehypertension or hypertension, there are steps you can take to manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet that's low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular physical activity
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Managing stress
- Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor
Conclusion
138 over 88 blood pressure falls into the prehypertension category, which means that you have a higher risk of developing hypertension in the future if you don't take steps to manage your blood pressure. By making lifestyle changes and following your doctor's recommendations, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems related to high blood pressure.
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