Blood pressure is a measurement that reflects the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it circulates throughout your body. This measurement is considered a significant indicator of cardiovascular health. It is represented by two numbers: the systolic pressure, the top number, and the diastolic pressure, the bottom number. The systolic reading indicates the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood, while the diastolic reading shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
A blood pressure reading of 173/83 mm Hg indicates significantly elevated systolic pressure and an elevated diastolic pressure. Guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define a “hypertensive crisis” as a systolic pressure above 180 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure above 120 mm Hg. A systolic reading of 173 mm Hg is considered severely elevated.
Your diastolic pressure of 83 mm Hg is considered elevated. Hypertension Stage 1 is defined as a systolic pressure between 130-139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80-89 mm Hg. Your diastolic reading of 83 mm Hg places it within the Stage 1 hypertension range.
This combination of very high systolic pressure (173 mm Hg) and elevated diastolic pressure (83 mm Hg) is often referred to as severe hypertension. While a single reading does not definitively diagnose a condition, consistent readings at this level warrant immediate medical attention. Such a reading suggests that your arteries are experiencing substantial pressure during each heartbeat, which can have serious implications for your cardiovascular system.
Health Implications of High Blood Pressure
Sustained high blood pressure can cause widespread damage throughout the body over time. The constant forceful pressure against artery walls can injure the delicate lining of blood vessels, leading to tiny tears. This damage initiates a process where the body attempts to repair these areas, often leading to the buildup of plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis.
This narrowing and stiffening of arteries can impede blood flow to various organs, raising the risk of complications. The heart is particularly vulnerable, with risks including heart attack, where blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, and heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump enough blood efficiently. High blood pressure can also impact the brain, increasing the likelihood of a stroke, which occurs when blood vessels supplying the brain become blocked or burst.
Beyond the heart and brain, other organs can suffer damage. The kidneys, responsible for filtering waste from the blood, can become impaired if their arteries are damaged, potentially leading to kidney disease or kidney failure. Vision problems, including vision loss, can also arise from damaged blood vessels in the eyes. High blood pressure can also contribute to sexual dysfunction due to reduced blood flow to the pelvic region.
Factors Influencing Blood Pressure
Numerous factors can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including lifestyle choices and biological factors. Dietary habits play a significant role, particularly diets high in sodium and low in potassium, which can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. A lack of regular physical activity also contributes to higher blood pressure, as exercise helps maintain strong and healthy blood vessels.
Behavioral factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute. Smoking directly injures blood vessel walls, accelerating the hardening of arteries, while heavy alcohol use can raise blood pressure. Chronic stress can also temporarily increase blood pressure and often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms like poor diet or increased alcohol intake.
Non-modifiable factors include age, as blood pressure tends to rise with advancing years due to arteries becoming stiffer. Genetics and family history also play a part, indicating a predisposition if close relatives have the condition. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid problems, can directly influence blood pressure regulation.
Steps to Manage Blood Pressure
Given a blood pressure reading of 173/83 mm Hg, immediate consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. This level of blood pressure indicates a hypertensive urgency or emergency depending on the presence of organ damage and requires prompt medical evaluation to prevent serious complications. A doctor can determine the appropriate course of action, which may include medication.
Lifestyle modifications are important for blood pressure management, often recommended in conjunction with or prior to medication, depending on the severity. Adopting a heart-healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, is beneficial. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, while limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally around 1,500 mg for most adults, can significantly lower blood pressure.
Engaging in regular physical activity is important. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days of the week, which can lower blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg. Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial, as even a modest weight loss of 3-5% can improve blood pressure levels. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can complement these efforts.
Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are important. Regular monitoring of blood pressure at home, as instructed by a healthcare provider, is important for management. Lifestyle changes are effective, but medication may be prescribed if these changes are insufficient or for very high readings, with the specific regimen determined by a medical professional.