Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls as your heart pumps it throughout your body. It indicates cardiovascular health and the efficiency of your circulatory system. Understanding your blood pressure reading is a proactive step toward maintaining overall well-being. Regular monitoring provides information that can guide lifestyle choices and medical interventions, helping to prevent serious health complications.
Understanding a 157/87 Blood Pressure Reading
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, pushing blood out. The diastolic number indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A reading of 157/87 mm Hg falls into the “Stage 2 Hypertension” category, according to American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines. Stage 2 hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of at least 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of at least 90 mm Hg. A single high reading warrants follow-up with a healthcare professional; repeated readings over time are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Common Factors Contributing to High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can stem from modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Lifestyle choices significantly influence blood pressure levels. An unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sodium and low in potassium, can increase blood pressure. Physical inactivity also contributes, as regular exercise helps keep the heart and blood vessels strong.
Excess body weight or obesity places additional strain on the heart and circulatory system, often leading to elevated blood pressure. Chronic stress can also play a role in raising blood pressure. Habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known to increase blood pressure.
Non-modifiable factors also influence blood pressure. Age is a factor, as blood pressure tends to rise as individuals get older. Genetics and a family history of high blood pressure also increase an individual’s risk. Certain medical conditions, including kidney disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes, can also contribute to or cause secondary hypertension.
Health Implications of Elevated Blood Pressure
Sustained high blood pressure, such as a reading of 157/87 mm Hg, can cause long-term damage to organs and body systems. The continuous force on artery walls can lead to their hardening and narrowing, a process called atherosclerosis. This damage can impede blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure elevates the risk of heart attack, where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, and stroke, which occurs when blood vessels supplying the brain are blocked or burst. It can also contribute to heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Elevated blood pressure can harm the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood and potentially leading to kidney disease or failure. Vision loss can result from damaged blood vessels in the eyes, and high blood pressure is also linked to vascular dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Managing High Blood Pressure
Managing high blood pressure involves consulting a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. For a reading like 157/87 mm Hg, lifestyle modifications are recommended, and medication may also be prescribed. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, ideally at home with a validated device, is also advised to track progress and ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
Implementing dietary changes is a primary step in managing blood pressure. Following an eating plan like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting saturated fat and cholesterol, can help lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake (ideally to 1,500 mg per day) and incorporating potassium-rich foods like dried fruits, milk, yogurt, potatoes, and spinach, are also beneficial, as excess sodium raises blood pressure and potassium helps eliminate salt.
Regular physical activity is another impactful lifestyle modification. Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week, totaling 2.5 to 5 hours weekly, can lower blood pressure. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as losing even a small amount of weight can reduce blood pressure. Stress reduction techniques, limiting alcohol consumption to recommended levels (one drink per day for women, two for men), and quitting smoking are also advised. If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, medication, such as ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, may be prescribed to help control blood pressure.