Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart circulates blood throughout your body. This measurement involves two numbers. The top number, called systolic pressure, indicates the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood out. The bottom number, known as diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A reading of 161/94 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered high and warrants medical attention.
What a 161/94 Blood Pressure Reading Means
A blood pressure reading of 161/94 mmHg falls into the category of Stage 2 Hypertension according to guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA). Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or greater, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or greater. This classification signifies a significantly increased risk for various cardiovascular complications.
Sustained high blood pressure, such as 161/94 mmHg, places increased strain on your heart and blood vessels over time. This prolonged force can damage arteries, making them less elastic and narrowing their passageways. The elevated pressure heightens the risk for serious health issues including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and visual disturbances or other organ damage.
Immediate Steps for a High Blood Pressure Reading
If you receive a blood pressure reading of 161/94 mmHg, re-measurement is the first step. Find a quiet place and rest for about five minutes. After this brief rest, measure your blood pressure again to confirm the reading. Anxiety can sometimes cause temporary elevations in blood pressure, so a second reading helps ensure accuracy.
If your blood pressure remains at or above 161/94 mmHg after resting, observe yourself for any accompanying symptoms that might signal a hypertensive crisis. These symptoms include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, a severe headache, changes in vision such as blurred vision, confusion, or numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body. A hypertensive crisis is defined as blood pressure 180/120 mmHg or higher, potentially with signs of organ damage. If any of these severe symptoms are present, seek emergency medical care immediately. If your reading remains high but you do not experience any of these severe symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible for guidance on next steps.
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can stem from various factors, broadly categorized into primary and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, accounts for the majority of cases (90-95%). In these instances, there is no single identifiable cause, but a combination of risk factors contributes to its development.
Modifiable risk factors for primary hypertension include lifestyle choices such as a diet high in sodium, insufficient physical activity, being overweight or obese, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress. Non-modifiable factors include a family history of hypertension, increasing age, and certain ethnicities.
Secondary hypertension, which accounts for a smaller percentage of cases (5-10%), is high blood pressure caused by an underlying medical condition. Common causes include kidney disease, narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys, certain endocrine disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea. Some medications can also contribute to secondary hypertension.
Long-Term Management Approaches
Managing Stage 2 Hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication. Dietary changes are important for long-term management. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes consuming plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while limiting foods high in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. Reducing sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day, or even 1,500 milligrams, can notably lower blood pressure.
Regular physical activity is also important. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Incorporating strength-building exercises two or more days each week further supports heart health.
Beyond diet and exercise, stress reduction techniques can contribute to blood pressure control. Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can promote relaxation and potentially lower blood pressure.
Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women is advised, as excessive alcohol can elevate blood pressure and interfere with medications. Quitting smoking is another important step, as tobacco use can temporarily increase blood pressure and damage blood vessels. For a reading of 161/94 mmHg, a doctor will prescribe antihypertensive medications in addition to these lifestyle changes. The goal of these combined approaches is to lower blood pressure to a safer range, thereby reducing the risk of long-term organ damage.