Understanding 135/70 Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

When you visit your doctor for a check-up, one of the first things they'll do is check your blood pressure. You might hear them call out two numbers, such as "135 over 70." But what does that mean, and is it a cause for concern? In this article, we'll explore what 135/70 blood pressure is, what it indicates, and how to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Before we dive into 135/70 blood pressure specifically, let's review what blood pressure is. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body. Your blood pressure is constantly changing throughout the day, depending on factors such as your activity level, stress level, and what you've eaten or drank.

When your doctor takes your blood pressure, they use a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff and a pressure gauge. They'll wrap the cuff around your upper arm and inflate it until it temporarily stops blood flow to your arm. Then, they'll slowly release the cuff while listening to your pulse with a stethoscope. They'll record two numbers: the systolic pressure (the higher number) and the diastolic pressure (the lower number).

Source: bing.com

What Does 135/70 Blood Pressure Mean?

Now that we know how blood pressure is measured, let's talk about what 135/70 blood pressure specifically means. The first number (135) represents the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out. The second number (70) represents the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

So, what does a blood pressure of 135/70 indicate? It falls within the range of "prehypertension," which means that your blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet considered high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, prehypertension is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 139 and/or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89.

While prehypertension is not as serious as high blood pressure, it is still a cause for concern. If left untreated, prehypertension can progress to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

What Are the Causes of Prehypertension?

There are several factors that can contribute to prehypertension, including:

• Age: Blood pressure tends to rise as you get older.
• Family history: If your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Eating a diet high in salt, being overweight or obese, not getting enough physical activity, and smoking can all contribute to prehypertension.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and kidney disease, can also increase your risk of prehypertension.

If you have prehypertension, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure. These may include:

• Eating a healthy, low-salt diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking

When Is Prehypertension a Cause for Concern?

If you have prehypertension, it's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and make lifestyle changes to lower it if necessary. Depending on your individual risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent blood pressure checks or medication to help lower your blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is consistently in the prehypertension range and you don't make lifestyle changes to lower it, you may eventually develop high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage your arteries and lead to serious health problems, so it's important to take prehypertension seriously and take steps to lower your blood pressure.

How Can You Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels?

Whether you have prehypertension or not, there are several things you can do to maintain healthy blood pressure levels:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Get regular exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly and seek medical attention if necessary

By making these lifestyle changes, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and reduce your risk of developing prehypertension or high blood pressure.

The Bottom Line

135/70 blood pressure falls within the range of prehypertension, which is a cause for concern but not yet considered high blood pressure. If you have prehypertension, it's important to make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure and other health problems. By eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and support overall health and wellness.