Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls. This measurement involves two numbers: systolic pressure, reflecting the pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood, and diastolic pressure, indicating the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Monitoring these readings provides insight into cardiovascular well-being and helps identify potential health concerns.
Understanding a 168/118 Blood Pressure Reading
A blood pressure reading of 168/118 mmHg signifies a serious elevation in pressure within the arterial system. The first number, 168, represents the systolic pressure, which is the maximum pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pushes blood out. The second number, 118, indicates the diastolic pressure, reflecting the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Both of these values individually exceed the thresholds typically associated with severe hypertension.
This specific reading falls into a category known as a hypertensive crisis, which requires immediate medical attention. A hypertensive crisis is defined by a systolic pressure of 180 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 120 mmHg or higher. While your reading is slightly below the 180 systolic threshold, the diastolic reading of 118 mmHg is very close to or within this critical range, making it a significant concern.
Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Immediate Action
When blood pressure reaches levels such as 168/118 mmHg, it is important to be aware of accompanying symptoms that may signal a medical emergency. Some individuals might experience a severe headache. Other indicators can include nosebleeds, severe anxiety, or shortness of breath. Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or double vision, and chest pain also warrant immediate concern.
The presence or absence of symptoms dictates the urgency of medical intervention. If a reading of 168/118 mmHg occurs without any symptoms of organ damage, it is classified as a hypertensive urgency. In this scenario, contacting a healthcare provider immediately for guidance is advised. However, if this high reading is accompanied by any of the severe symptoms mentioned, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in vision, it constitutes a hypertensive emergency.
A hypertensive emergency indicates that the elevated pressure is actively causing damage to organs like the heart, brain, or kidneys. In such cases, it is imperative to seek emergency medical care without delay. This means calling emergency services, such as 911, or going to the nearest emergency room immediately. Prompt action is necessary to prevent severe and potentially permanent organ damage.
Common Contributors to High Blood Pressure Readings
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including readings as elevated as 168/118 mmHg. Lifestyle choices play a substantial role, with an unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sodium. A lack of regular physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle can also raise blood pressure over time. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking directly impact blood vessel health.
Chronic stress can also influence blood pressure levels, causing temporary spikes that, if frequent, may lead to sustained hypertension. Beyond lifestyle, certain non-modifiable factors, such as increasing age and a family history of high blood pressure, can increase an individual’s predisposition. In some instances, high blood pressure (secondary hypertension) can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and certain medications can contribute to significantly elevated readings.
Approaches to Managing High Blood Pressure
After immediate medical attention for a high blood pressure reading, long-term management strategies become important. Healthcare providers often prescribe medications to control blood pressure. These may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, or beta-blockers.
Alongside medication, significant lifestyle modifications are recommended. Adopting a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting saturated fat and sodium, can be effective. Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week) and maintaining a healthy body weight are also important.
Reducing sodium intake, managing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption further support blood pressure control. Regular monitoring at home and consistent follow-up appointments are important for effective long-term management.
References
url: “https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis”, title: “Hypertensive Crisis: When You Should Call 911 – American Heart Association”
url: “https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis”, title: “Hypertensive Crisis: When You Should Call 911 – American Heart Association”
url: “https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure/causes-of-high-blood-pressure”, title: “Causes of High Blood Pressure – American Heart Association”
url: “https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure”, title: “Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure – American Heart Association”