Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. It indicates how effectively the heart pumps blood and the condition of blood vessels. Monitoring blood pressure is important because deviations from healthy ranges can signal underlying health concerns and lead to various complications.
Decoding Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure readings consist of two distinct numbers, typically presented as a fraction. The upper number, known as systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats and pumps blood out. The lower number, called diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Both measurements are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
A healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. Both numbers are important, but systolic pressure is a stronger indicator of heart disease risk, especially for individuals over 50.
Where 161 mmHg Fits
A systolic blood pressure reading of 161 mmHg falls into the Hypertension Stage 2 classification. Guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) define Hypertension Stage 2 as a systolic reading of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher. Thus, 161 mmHg systolic places an individual in this category, regardless of the diastolic number.
This classification indicates a serious level of high blood pressure requiring medical intervention. Hypertension Stage 2 carries an increased risk for cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially if left unmanaged. Consistent readings at this level necessitate a healthcare professional developing a comprehensive treatment plan.
Immediate Steps After a High Reading
If you get a blood pressure reading of 161 mmHg, re-measure it to confirm accuracy. If it remains elevated, contact a doctor or healthcare provider promptly. While 161 mmHg is high, it is not usually classified as a hypertensive crisis unless specific symptoms are present.
A hypertensive crisis is defined by blood pressure readings of 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, vision changes, or confusion. If a 161 mmHg reading occurs with any of these severe symptoms, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary. Without these acute symptoms, the 161 mmHg reading indicates a serious condition that requires urgent medical consultation, but not necessarily an emergency room visit.
Long-Term Strategies for Healthy Blood Pressure
Managing sustained high blood pressure, including readings around 161 mmHg, involves lifestyle modifications and often prescribed medication. Healthcare providers recommend dietary changes, such as reducing sodium intake to an ideal target of 1,500 mg per day for most adults. Adopting a heart-healthy eating plan, like the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, helps reduce blood pressure.
Regular physical activity is important, with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, which can lower blood pressure by 4 to 10 mmHg. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and managing stress are additional lifestyle adjustments that support blood pressure control. A healthcare professional may prescribe medication, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consistent monitoring and regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure the management plan’s effectiveness.