Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. This measurement is given as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Systolic pressure represents the force when the heart beats and pushes blood out. Diastolic pressure reflects the force in the vessels when the heart is at rest, between beats. Understanding the context of your specific reading, 122/70, requires knowing how these numbers are categorized and the many factors that can influence a result, especially for women.
How to Interpret Blood Pressure Categories
The number 122/70 is classified according to established guidelines that define ranges for healthy and increased cardiovascular risk. Blood pressure is categorized based on the higher of the two numbers. The categories start with Normal, defined as a systolic pressure below 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg.
Your specific reading of 122/70 places the systolic number (122) within the range designated as Elevated blood pressure. This category is defined by a systolic reading between 120 and 129 mmHg, with a diastolic reading that is still below 80 mmHg. While the diastolic number of 70 is within the normal range, the systolic number determines the overall classification. This categorization signals an increased risk and suggests preventative measures are necessary to avoid progression.
The next classification is Stage 1 Hypertension, diagnosed when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mmHg, or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mmHg. Stage 2 Hypertension is the most severe category, defined by a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. The goal for most adults is a blood pressure reading below 130/80 mmHg. Since the 122/70 reading falls into the Elevated category, it indicates a need for attention. Elevated blood pressure is managed through lifestyle modification, aiming to prevent the development of hypertension, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Variables That Affect Your Reading
A single blood pressure measurement may not be an accurate reflection of your true average pressure because many temporary factors can influence the reading. Improper technique is a common cause of inaccurate results, such as having your arm unsupported or your feet not flat on the floor during the measurement. Recent activities, like consuming caffeine or engaging in physical exercise shortly before a measurement, can also temporarily raise your numbers. Even the presence of a medical professional can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure, a phenomenon sometimes called “White Coat Syndrome.”
Beyond these momentary influences, a person’s physiology, particularly for women, introduces unique long-term variables. Age is a factor, as blood pressure tends to rise with advancing years, and this increase may accelerate after menopause. The loss of estrogen’s protective effects following menopause can alter vascular function, potentially leading to increased peripheral vascular resistance and a rise in blood pressure. Middle-aged women experience an increase in blood pressure with menopause and have a higher risk of developing uncontrolled hypertension compared to men. Women who have experienced high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, may also have a higher risk for developing chronic hypertension later in life.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Medical Consultation
For an Elevated blood pressure reading like 122/70, lifestyle adjustments are the primary recommendation for improving your numbers. Dietary changes can significantly impact blood pressure, particularly by focusing on reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake. Limiting daily sodium consumption to between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams is recommended, which often involves avoiding processed and prepared foods where most of the salt is found.
Increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods helps to balance sodium levels and relax blood vessels. Examples include:
- Bananas
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
Adopting a dietary pattern like the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been shown to be an effective strategy. Regular physical activity is another method for lowering blood pressure, with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and limiting alcohol consumption are also important components of a comprehensive strategy. For women, alcohol intake should be limited to no more than one drink per day to reduce cardiovascular risk. If an Elevated reading is consistent, discuss your numbers with a physician, who may suggest monitoring your blood pressure at home for a more accurate average measurement. Any reading that reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered a severe emergency that requires immediate medical attention.