Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is recorded as two numbers, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first, higher number is the systolic pressure, which reflects the pressure when the heart beats and contracts.
The second, lower number is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. A single systolic reading of 162 mm Hg is significantly elevated. This reading is a serious warning sign requiring prompt medical discussion to prevent long-term health complications.
Understanding Blood Pressure Categories
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define blood pressure using specific categories to guide diagnosis and treatment. Normal blood pressure is consistently less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Readings slightly above this range are categorized as Elevated, defined as systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 Hypertension is characterized by a systolic pressure between 130 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. This stage often requires intensified lifestyle modifications and sometimes medication. Stage 2 Hypertension begins when the systolic reading is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic reading is 90 mm Hg or higher.
A Hypertensive Crisis is classified as any reading reaching or exceeding 180 mm Hg systolic and/or 120 mm Hg diastolic. This extreme elevation is a medical emergency that can lead to acute organ damage. These guidelines provide a framework for assessing risk and determining the appropriate course of action.
What a Reading of 162 Indicates
A systolic reading of 162 mm Hg places the individual firmly within the Stage 2 Hypertension category. This level of sustained elevation signifies a considerable risk to cardiovascular health. Stage 2 Hypertension is defined by a systolic pressure of at least 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of at least 90 mm Hg.
A reading of 162 mm Hg indicates consistently high force on the arterial walls, which can lead to damage over time. This diagnosis typically requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to reach a target pressure of less than 130/80 mm Hg. A definitive diagnosis is confirmed by taking multiple readings on two or more separate occasions.
A single high reading, especially one this high, should prompt an urgent consultation with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan. Ignoring a reading of 162 mm Hg increases the likelihood of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Immediate medical planning is necessary to protect long-term health due to the severity of Stage 2 Hypertension.
Immediate Action Steps and Warning Signs
Upon obtaining a reading of 162 mm Hg, the first step is to calmly re-check the measurement after resting for five minutes, as anxiety or recent activity can temporarily spike blood pressure. If the reading remains high, prompt medical attention is required. An urgent appointment should be scheduled with a primary care provider to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
The key differentiation is between severe hypertension and a Hypertensive Emergency, which requires immediate 911 or emergency department care. A Hypertensive Emergency occurs when blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher and is accompanied by signs of acute organ damage. These severe symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness, or a sudden change in vision.
If 162 mm Hg is measured without these severe symptoms, it is considered severe hypertension managed with urgent follow-up care, not an immediate emergency. If the reading is 180/120 mm Hg or above, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. For the 162 mm Hg reading without symptoms, documenting the measurements and contacting a provider quickly is the correct non-emergency action.
Lifestyle Modifications for Management
Sustained lifestyle changes are fundamental to managing Stage 2 Hypertension and reaching a target blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg, alongside any prescribed medication. Dietary adjustments often begin with adopting the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. This plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting saturated fats and cholesterol.
A central component of this dietary strategy is the strict reduction of sodium intake, which has a direct effect on blood pressure levels. The standard recommendation is to limit daily sodium consumption to no more than 2,300 milligrams. A goal of 1,500 milligrams per day can yield even greater reductions. This means avoiding high-sodium processed foods, canned soups, and restaurant meals.
Regular physical activity is another pillar of long-term management. Aerobic exercise is particularly effective at strengthening the heart and reducing blood vessel stiffness. The goal should be to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Even a 5% reduction in body weight can significantly help lower blood pressure.
Limiting alcohol consumption is also advised, as excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and interfere with medication effectiveness. These sustained behavioral changes work synergistically with medical treatment to lower the strain on the cardiovascular system. Maintaining these modifications is a long-term strategy for keeping blood pressure controlled and mitigating future health risks.