Blood pressure measures the force blood exerts against artery walls as the heart pumps it. It is expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure. A reading of 157/117 mmHg indicates significantly elevated blood pressure, requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Interpreting a 157/117 Blood Pressure Reading
Blood pressure readings consist of two distinct values. The first number, 157 mmHg, represents the systolic pressure, which measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats and pushes blood out. The second number, 117 mmHg, indicates the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats and refills with blood. Both of these numbers provide important information about cardiovascular health.
A blood pressure reading of 157/117 mmHg falls into the category of Stage 2 Hypertension, as defined by guidelines where a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, signifies this stage. A diastolic reading of 117 mmHg can be considered within the range of a hypertensive crisis, particularly if accompanied by certain symptoms. Both components are significantly elevated, indicating sustained strain on the cardiovascular system.
Urgent Actions and Medical Guidance
Discovering a blood pressure reading of 157/117 mmHg requires immediate attention, though it is important to remain calm. If this reading is obtained at home, relax for a few minutes and re-take the measurement to confirm. If the reading remains high, contact a healthcare professional without delay.
Immediate emergency medical care is necessary in certain situations. Call 911 or your local emergency services if a blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg or higher is accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms indicate a hypertensive emergency, where severe high blood pressure causes acute organ damage. Even without these severe symptoms, a reading of 157/117 mmHg warrants urgent medical consultation to prevent complications. Avoid self-medicating or ignoring such a high reading; professional medical evaluation is essential for proper assessment and guidance.
Health Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure
Consistently elevated blood pressure leads to serious health complications. Over time, high blood pressure damages blood vessel walls, making them less flexible and more prone to plaque buildup. This hardening and narrowing of arteries, known as atherosclerosis, impedes blood flow to various organs.
Untreated high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack, where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. It also raises the likelihood of stroke, which occurs when blood vessels supplying the brain become blocked or burst. Kidneys can suffer damage, impairing their ability to filter waste from blood, potentially leading to kidney disease or failure. Other long-term consequences include vision loss due to damage to small blood vessels in the eyes, and heart failure, as the heart works harder and may enlarge.
Strategies for Blood Pressure Control
Managing high blood pressure involves lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, medical intervention. Dietary changes, especially reducing sodium intake, play a significant role. Many guidelines suggest limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams daily, with some recommending 1,500 milligrams for those with high blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while reducing saturated fat and cholesterol, effectively lowers blood pressure.
Regular physical activity is another important strategy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Weight management is also beneficial, as blood pressure often increases with body weight, and even small weight loss can lower readings. Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and stress reduction techniques are additional lifestyle modifications. While these strategies are effective, a personalized treatment plan with a healthcare professional is essential and may include prescribed medication to achieve optimal blood pressure levels.