Blood pressure measures the force of circulating blood against the arterial walls. This measurement is expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure, the first and higher number, reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood out. Diastolic pressure, the second and lower number, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. These two values, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), provide insight into your cardiovascular health.
Interpreting a 156/73 Reading
A blood pressure reading of 156/73 mmHg means your systolic pressure is 156 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is 73 mmHg. Current guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) classify blood pressure into several categories. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120-129 mmHg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg.
A systolic reading of 156 mmHg falls into the Hypertension Stage 2 category, which is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Your diastolic reading of 73 mmHg, however, is within the normal range, being less than 80 mmHg. When the systolic pressure is elevated (130 mmHg or higher) and the diastolic pressure is normal (less than 80 or 90 mmHg, depending on the guideline), this condition is known as isolated systolic hypertension (ISH).
Associated Health Concerns
Consistently elevated blood pressure, such as a systolic reading of 156 mmHg, puts significant strain on your blood vessels, heart, and other organs over time. This sustained pressure can damage arteries, impairing their ability to deliver blood to vital organs. Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of serious health conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. It can also lead to kidney disease, vision problems, and peripheral artery disease.
High blood pressure is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This absence of early warning signs makes regular blood pressure checks particularly important.
Managing Your Blood Pressure
For a blood pressure reading of 156/73 mmHg, consulting a healthcare professional is strongly advised. This level of blood pressure usually warrants medical evaluation and potentially intervention. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis, monitor your blood pressure over time, and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include medication.
Lifestyle modifications play a significant role in managing and potentially lowering blood pressure. Dietary changes such as adopting the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting saturated fat and sodium, can be highly effective. Reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, and ideally to 1,500 milligrams for many adults, can lower blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mmHg. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week, can also contribute to a reduction of about 5 to 8 mmHg. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks daily for men and one for women, and managing stress are additional strategies that can help improve blood pressure control.