Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. Monitoring this provides an important indication of overall cardiovascular health. When blood pressure remains high over time, it can cause damage throughout the body without presenting obvious symptoms. Understanding a specific reading, such as 144, requires knowing the standard categories established by health organizations.
Understanding Systolic and Diastolic Readings
A blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first, higher number is the systolic pressure, which measures the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts. The second, lower number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Both numbers are important indicators of cardiovascular health. However, in adults, the systolic pressure is often given greater weight as a prediction of heart attack and stroke risk. The reading of 144 refers to the systolic pressure, which is always the top number.
Classifying a 144 Blood Pressure Reading
A systolic reading of 144 mmHg is considered high and places an individual into the Stage 2 Hypertension classification. Guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) use specific thresholds to categorize blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is defined as less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
The category for elevated blood pressure is a systolic reading between 120 and 129 mmHg and a diastolic reading less than 80 mmHg. Stage 1 Hypertension begins when the systolic pressure is 130 to 139 mmHg or the diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
A systolic reading of 144 mmHg falls into the Stage 2 Hypertension range, regardless of the diastolic number. For example, a reading of 144/85 mmHg is classified as Stage 2 Hypertension because the systolic number is 144.
Long-Term Health Consequences
Sustained Stage 2 Hypertension, represented by consistent readings around 144 mmHg, significantly increases the risk for serious health problems. The persistently high force of blood flow damages the delicate lining of the arteries, making them less flexible over time. This damage can initiate atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up within the artery walls, narrowing the vessels.
This increased pressure forces the heart muscle to work harder to pump blood through the body. Over time, this overwork can lead to the heart muscle thickening and enlarging, which reduces its pumping efficiency and can result in heart failure. The strain on blood vessels in the brain raises the probability of a stroke, which occurs when a vessel is blocked or bursts.
High blood pressure also impacts the kidneys, which rely on a dense network of healthy blood vessels to filter waste. Damage to these vessels can impair kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or failure. Furthermore, the small blood vessels in the eyes can be damaged, leading to hypertensive retinopathy and potential vision loss. Because high blood pressure often presents with no symptoms until severe damage is done, it is frequently referred to as a silent killer.
Next Steps and Lifestyle Management
Receiving a 144 mmHg systolic reading requires a proactive response, beginning with confirming the measurement’s accuracy. It is important to take multiple readings over several days, ideally using a home blood pressure monitor, to ensure the reading is consistent and not due to temporary anxiety, sometimes called “white coat syndrome.” A persistent reading in the Stage 2 range necessitates consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss monitoring and potential treatment.
Non-pharmacological interventions include specific dietary and lifestyle changes. Adopting the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is recommended, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated fat and cholesterol. Reducing sodium intake is also highly effective; while the standard recommendation is to limit consumption to 2,300 milligrams per day, a lower goal of 1,500 milligrams per day can yield greater blood pressure reduction.
Regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and achieving smoking cessation are important components of management. For a reading of 144 mmHg, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient, and a healthcare professional will likely recommend starting antihypertensive medication in combination with these changes. This combined approach works to lower the pressure and reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular events.