Blood pressure is a measurement that indicates the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it through your body. It is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure, the top number, and diastolic pressure, the bottom number. A reading of 175/106 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) signifies a significantly elevated blood pressure, indicating a potentially serious health concern that requires prompt medical evaluation.
Understanding 175/106 Blood Pressure
The top number, 175, represents your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out. The bottom number, 106, is your diastolic blood pressure, measuring the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Both numbers are important indicators of cardiovascular health.
A blood pressure reading of 175/106 mm Hg falls into the category of a hypertensive crisis. This classification applies when blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher, or when systolic pressure is above 160 mm Hg or diastolic pressure is above 100 mm Hg. Such a severe elevation signals an urgent medical situation that demands immediate attention.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you observe a blood pressure reading of 175/106 mm Hg, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room without delay. Do not attempt to self-treat or wait for symptoms to develop, as symptoms may not always be present even with dangerously high readings.
A blood pressure this high carries a substantial risk of severe organ damage. This includes the potential for conditions such as stroke, heart attack, acute kidney injury, or aortic dissection. Timely medical intervention can help prevent these life-threatening complications and stabilize your condition.
Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
High blood pressure can stem from various causes. In many instances, there isn’t a single identifiable cause, a condition known as primary or essential hypertension. This type often develops gradually over many years.
Conversely, secondary hypertension results from an underlying medical condition or medication. Examples include kidney disease, thyroid problems, adrenal gland tumors, or the use of certain drugs like decongestants, some pain relievers, or oral contraceptives. Lifestyle choices also contribute significantly to elevated blood pressure, including a diet high in sodium and unhealthy fats, insufficient physical activity, chronic stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Managing High Blood Pressure Long-Term
Addressing the immediate crisis of a 175/106 blood pressure reading is the first step, followed by long-term management. Medical interventions often involve prescribed medications to help control blood pressure. Common classes of medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and beta-blockers.
Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is important for sustained blood pressure control. Alongside medication, significant lifestyle modifications are recommended. These include:
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting saturated fats and cholesterol.
- Regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Reducing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Limiting sodium intake.
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Consistent monitoring of blood pressure at home and regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are recommended. These steps ensure blood pressure remains within a healthy range and allow for treatment adjustments as needed.