Blood pressure reflects the force of circulating blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is expressed as two numbers: the top number, or systolic pressure, measures the force when your heart contracts and pumps blood out. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats and refills with blood. A blood pressure reading of 140/108 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is elevated and considered high, indicating a need for medical attention.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
A blood pressure reading provides distinct information about the pressure within your circulatory system. Both measurements are important for assessing health.
A reading of 140/108 mmHg falls into the category of “Stage 2 Hypertension” according to established medical guidelines. This classification indicates persistently high blood pressure levels. While a high systolic reading is often a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk for individuals over 50, the diastolic number also provides important information, particularly for younger individuals.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Various factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, categorized as modifiable or non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed through lifestyle choices. These include an unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sodium and low in potassium, insufficient physical activity, and obesity. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and chronic stress also contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Non-modifiable risk factors are those beyond an individual’s control. Age is a significant factor, as blood pressure tends to increase as people get older due to natural stiffening of blood vessels. A family history of high blood pressure and certain ethnic backgrounds also increase an individual’s predisposition. Additionally, pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can raise the risk of developing hypertension.
Sometimes, high blood pressure is a symptom of another underlying health issue, a condition known as secondary hypertension. Conditions like kidney disease, certain endocrine disorders affecting hormones, and obstructive sleep apnea can cause secondary hypertension. Certain medications can also contribute to elevated blood pressure.
The Health Impact of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically presents with no obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred within the body. Uncontrolled high blood pressure places extra strain on blood vessels and organs over time. This continuous pressure can lead to severe long-term health consequences.
The heart is particularly susceptible to the effects of sustained high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and the enlargement of the heart’s left ventricle. The brain can also be affected, leading to an increased risk of stroke and contributing to cognitive decline or vascular dementia. Kidneys may suffer damage to their blood vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste and potentially resulting in kidney disease or failure.
High blood pressure can also harm the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to retinopathy and vision loss. Throughout the body, arteries can harden and narrow, a process called atherosclerosis, which further restricts blood flow.
Steps for Managing High Blood Pressure
Addressing a blood pressure reading of 140/108 mmHg begins with consulting a healthcare professional. A doctor can confirm the reading through multiple measurements, rule out temporary elevations like “white coat hypertension,” and provide personalized advice. This initial consultation is an important step toward a comprehensive management plan.
Lifestyle modifications are a cornerstone of managing high blood pressure. Adopting a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sodium. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking are also important behavioral changes. Stress management techniques can further support blood pressure control.
In cases where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to lower blood pressure, medication may be necessary. A doctor can prescribe various types of medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, both at home and during medical appointments, is important for tracking progress and adjusting treatment as needed.