Friday, September 20, 2024

My blood pressure was 176/87. Is this dangerous?

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A blood pressure reading of 176/87 indicates hypertension (high blood pressure), and yes, it can be dangerous, especially if it is consistently at this level.

Let’s break down the reading:

  • Systolic pressure (the top number, 176): This represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. A normal systolic reading is less than 120 mmHg. A reading of 176 mmHg is considered very high and falls under Stage 2 hypertension (typically defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher).
  • Diastolic pressure (the bottom number, 87): This indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A normal diastolic reading is less than 80 mmHg. A diastolic pressure of 87 mmHg is considered slightly elevated but not as severe as the systolic pressure.

Why this is concerning:

Hypertension increases the risk of serious health problems, including:

  • Heart disease: High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder than normal, which can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, or heart attacks.
  • Stroke: High blood pressure damages blood vessels in the brain, making strokes more likely.
  • Kidney disease: It can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease.
  • Vision loss: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing vision problems.
  • Aneurysms: The pressure can weaken the walls of arteries, leading to bulging (aneurysms), which can be life-threatening if they rupture.

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