Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it. This measurement indicates your overall health and circulatory system efficiency. Monitoring blood pressure is a simple yet effective way to gain insight into cardiovascular well-being and identify potential health concerns early.
Deciphering Your Blood Pressure Reading
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The first, or top, number, is your systolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pushes blood out into your body.
The second, or bottom, number, is your diastolic blood pressure. This reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes and refills with blood between beats. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and provide distinct yet complementary information.
What 134/68 Blood Pressure Indicates
A blood pressure reading of 134/68 mmHg indicates Stage 1 Hypertension, despite the diastolic number (68 mmHg) being healthy. According to guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), Stage 1 Hypertension is defined by a systolic reading between 130 and 139 mmHg, or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mmHg.
Your systolic reading of 134 mmHg places it in this category. If either the systolic or diastolic number falls into a higher category, the overall blood pressure is classified by the higher of the two readings. This classification suggests an increased risk for cardiovascular issues if not addressed.
Factors Influencing Blood Pressure
Numerous factors can influence blood pressure, from lifestyle choices to underlying health conditions. Dietary habits play a significant role. High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Conversely, a diet low in potassium can also contribute to elevated readings, as potassium helps balance sodium levels.
Lack of regular physical activity is another factor, leading to weight gain and weakened blood vessels, which increases the heart’s workload. Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use directly impact blood pressure by damaging blood vessels and increasing heart rate. Chronic stress, age, and a family history of high blood pressure are additional non-modifiable risk factors. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid problems, can also contribute to or cause secondary hypertension.
Managing and Improving Blood Pressure
Implementing lifestyle modifications can help manage and potentially lower blood pressure. Adopting a balanced diet, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, is recommended. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, while limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and sodium.
Reducing sodium intake is impactful; aiming for less than 2,300 milligrams per day, and ideally closer to 1,500 milligrams for most adults, can lead to measurable reductions. Regular physical activity, such as at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, strengthens the heart and improves blood vessel flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can also directly contribute to lower blood pressure, with even modest weight loss showing benefits. Limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing can further support healthy blood pressure.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Given a blood pressure reading of 134/68 mmHg, consult a healthcare professional. A single reading is not sufficient for diagnosis; your doctor will likely recommend further monitoring to confirm consistent elevated levels. This typically involves multiple readings over several visits or using a home blood pressure monitor to track readings over time.
Your healthcare provider can assess your overall health, discuss potential risk factors, and determine the most appropriate course of action. This may involve reinforcing lifestyle changes, or if necessary, considering medication, especially if you have other underlying health conditions. Regular check-ups are important for ongoing management and prevention of complications associated with elevated blood pressure.