Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. A blood pressure reading of 137/65 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) contains two distinct numbers providing information about your cardiovascular health. This specific measurement represents a momentary snapshot and can fluctuate based on time of day, recent activity, and stress levels. To accurately assess your status, a healthcare provider relies on the average of multiple measurements taken over time.
Understanding the Systolic and Diastolic Numbers
The top number, 137, is the systolic pressure, which measures the peak force when the heart muscle contracts. This moment, known as systole, is when the heart ejects blood into the arteries, creating the highest pressure against the vessel walls. A reading of 137 mm Hg is higher than the optimal range and is the primary factor driving the overall interpretation of this measurement.
The bottom number, 65, is the diastolic pressure, which represents the lowest pressure in the arteries. This occurs during diastole, the phase when the heart rests and refills with blood between beats. A diastolic pressure of 65 mm Hg is within the healthy range, indicating that your arteries are relaxing appropriately. The difference in these two numbers highlights a specific pattern of blood pressure that requires careful attention.
Classifying the 137/65 Reading
Medical guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) use established thresholds to categorize blood pressure readings. A blood pressure of 137/65 mm Hg falls into the Stage 1 Hypertension category. This classification is determined by the highest of the two numbers, which is the systolic reading of 137 mm Hg.
Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as having a systolic pressure between 130 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Since your systolic number is 137, it meets the criteria for this classification, regardless of the healthy diastolic number of 65 mm Hg. This categorization signals an increased risk for cardiovascular events and typically warrants a treatment plan involving targeted lifestyle modifications. The elevated systolic pressure requires management to prevent long-term damage to the arteries.
The Significance of a Wide Pulse Pressure
The unique aspect of a 137/65 reading is the wide gap between the two numbers, which defines the pulse pressure (PP). Calculated by subtracting the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure (137 minus 65), your pulse pressure is 72 mm Hg. A pulse pressure between 40 and 60 mm Hg is generally considered healthy, meaning a reading of 72 mm Hg is wider than desirable.
A wide pulse pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, often reflecting increased stiffness in the major arteries. As arteries lose their elasticity, they cannot expand and recoil effectively when the heart pumps blood. This leads to a higher peak systolic pressure and a lower resting diastolic pressure. This pattern is frequently associated with isolated systolic hypertension, particularly in older adults.
Actionable Steps After This Reading
Given the Stage 1 Hypertension classification, the first step involves consistent monitoring to confirm the reading is not an isolated event. Using a validated device, measure your blood pressure at home regularly and record the results to share with your healthcare provider. Home monitoring provides a more accurate picture of your average pressure outside of a clinical setting.
Adopting specific changes to your diet can significantly lower your systolic pressure. Following the principles of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is highly effective, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to reduce your sodium intake, ideally aiming for less than 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams per day, as sodium contributes to fluid retention and higher blood pressure.
Incorporating regular physical activity is another powerful tool for managing blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, each week. Daily stress management techniques, including deep breathing exercises or mindfulness, can help lower the activity of the nervous system that constricts blood vessels. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss these readings and formulate a personalized management strategy.