A blood pressure reading of 154/104 mmHg is elevated and warrants prompt attention. Understanding what these numbers signify and taking appropriate action can help manage your health. This reading indicates a sustained level of pressure on your arteries, which, if left unaddressed, could contribute to various health concerns.
Decoding Your Blood Pressure Reading
Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, each representing a different aspect of your heart’s activity. The first, higher number, 154, is your systolic pressure. This measures the force of blood against your artery walls when your heart beats and contracts, pushing blood out to the rest of your body. The second, lower number, 104, is your diastolic pressure. This indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats and refills with blood. Both measurements are important for assessing your cardiovascular health.
A reading of 154/104 mmHg falls into the classification of Hypertension Stage 2. This classification applies when the systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher, or the diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher. Consistent readings in this range suggest that your heart is working harder than it should, placing increased strain on your blood vessels.
Serious Health Implications
Persistently elevated blood pressure, such as a reading of 154/104 mmHg, can lead to serious health complications if not managed. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the lining of your arteries, making them less elastic and promoting the buildup of plaque. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can narrow arteries, impeding blood flow and increasing the risk of various conditions.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The sustained pressure makes the heart work harder, which can cause the heart muscle to thicken and struggle to supply enough blood to the body.
High blood pressure also impacts your kidneys, which contain a network of tiny blood vessels. Uncontrolled hypertension can constrict and narrow these vessels, reducing blood flow and impairing the kidneys’ ability to function effectively. This can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
The eyes are also susceptible to damage from high blood pressure. The small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the eyes can become injured, leading to vision problems or loss. The increased pressure can also weaken blood vessel walls throughout the body, raising the risk of an aneurysm, which can rupture and be life-threatening.
Beyond physical health, high blood pressure can affect brain health. It is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Hypertension can cause damage to brain areas involved in memory and other cognitive functions, accelerating cognitive decline.
Your Next Steps
Given a blood pressure reading of 154/104 mmHg, the immediate action is to consult a healthcare professional. A single high reading does not definitively diagnose hypertension, but consistent readings at this level require medical evaluation. Your doctor will likely take multiple readings over time and discuss your medical history to confirm a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle modifications as a course of action. Dietary changes are suggested, such as adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while reducing sodium intake. Aiming for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day can help lower blood pressure.
Regular physical activity is another lifestyle change. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week can help lower blood pressure. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Incorporating muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week can also provide benefits.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as blood pressure increases with weight. Losing even a small amount of weight can influence blood pressure levels. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, may also contribute to managing blood pressure by promoting relaxation. Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are also important steps, as both habits can negatively affect blood pressure.
If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to bring your blood pressure to a healthier range, your doctor may consider medical treatment. Several types of medications are available, which work in different ways to lower blood pressure:
Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Calcium channel blockers
Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate medication or combination of medications based on your individual health needs.
Regular home blood pressure monitoring is recommended to track your progress and ensure that treatments are effective. Use an automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor and follow proper technique. This information can provide insights for your healthcare team.