Blood pressure of 140/100, many friends think this is an awkward blood pressure value, just at the “borderline” state. Can friends of this kind be defined as having high blood pressure? What should be noted in the treatment? Today, let’s talk about this issue.
First, let’s understand how hypertension is classified?
According to the latest guidelines: the 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Practice Guidelines, we classify hypertension into 4 levels:
Normal blood pressure: systolic blood pressure less than 130 and diastolic blood pressure less than 85, both blood pressure values must be within the normal range, if either of the blood pressure indicators exceeds the normal range, it cannot be classified as normal blood pressure; Normal high value blood pressure: systolic blood pressure between 130-139 and/or diastolic blood pressure between 85-89, we call it normal high value blood pressure. Although it is called normal blood pressure, the blood pressure value is already high. Whether it’s systolic or diastolic pressure, as long as one blood pressure value enters this range, it can be called normal high value blood pressure;
Stage 1 hypertension: systolic blood pressure between 140-159 and/or diastolic blood pressure between 90-99 is called stage 1 hypertension. Whether it’s systolic or diastolic pressure, as long as one blood pressure value enters this range, it can be called stage 1 hypertension; Stage 2 hypertension: systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 100 is called stage 2 hypertension. Whether it’s systolic or diastolic pressure, as long as one blood pressure value enters this range, it can be called stage 2 hypertension.
The latest guidelines have eliminated stage 3 hypertension. Therefore, the highest level in the current classification of hypertension is stage 2 hypertension.
Which category does blood pressure of 140/100 belong to?
Based on the hypertension classification we just mentioned, we can see that because the diastolic pressure has reached 100 mmHg, the blood pressure of 140/100 already belongs to stage 2 hypertension. If not controlled in a timely manner, with blood pressure persistently at a high level, it can lead to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attack, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, kidney failure, and other complications.
How should we specifically treat individuals with a blood pressure of 140/100? Let’s continue discussing below.
How to treat blood pressure of 140/100?
Blood pressure of 140/100 has reached the level of stage 2 hypertension. When dealing with individuals of this kind, we should analyze based on their specific conditions.
If these individuals, in addition to high blood pressure, also have conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, high uric acid, or a history of cardiovascular diseases, they must start taking antihypertensive medications immediately. The commonly used antihypertensive drugs are categorized into 5 types: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Different medications are suitable for different conditions, and it is recommended to seek guidance and recommendations from a healthcare professional rather than self-selecting medications. In addition to medication, lifestyle control should also be enhanced.
Although the blood pressure has reached 140/100, but with no hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, high uric acid, or any cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Zhang suggests that individuals in this category can first control their blood pressure through lifestyle management. If after strict lifestyle control for 3-6 months, the blood pressure remains abnormal, medication is advised.
What measures should be taken in lifestyle management?
prior: Dietary management: A low-salt, low-fat, low-calorie diet must be adopted. The daily salt intake should not exceed what can be held within a bottle cap, while also considering “hidden salts” in daily life such as soy sauce, pickles, processed foods, and snacks which contain a significant amount of salt. Additionally, the intake of fats and sugars should be limited. Consume more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Abstain from bad habits: Smoking, drinking, staying up late, these unhealthy habits can cause hormonal imbalance, accelerate atherosclerosis, trigger arterial spasms. These are factors that elevate blood pressure and must be eliminated. Weight control: Individuals with high blood pressure need to maintain their weight within a reasonable range. Many friends who were physically obese restored normal blood pressure levels by controlling their weight.
Regular exercise: Dr. Zhang recommends engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, yoga, etc. Each patient can choose a suitable exercise based on their condition, following the principle of moderation and gradual progression. Prolonged exercise can reduce weight, improve blood circulation, enhance cardiopulmonary function, and also alleviate the conditions of underlying diseases, slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis.
Avoid mental stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions: These emotions can lead to hormonal imbalances, vasoconstriction, hypertension, and prolonged exposure can worsen the condition of hypertension. In conclusion
Blood pressure of 140/100 has already reached the level of stage 2 hypertension and requires timely attention, otherwise, symptoms will gradually worsen. If there are no risk factors, lifestyle management can be attempted in the early stage to control blood pressure. After 3 to 6 months, if the blood pressure remains abnormal, medication should be promptly taken. For friends with high-risk factors, it is imperative to start taking antihypertensive medications immediately without delay, while also enhancing lifestyle management.
The above are some personal views by Dr. Zhang on how to treat friends with a blood pressure of 140/100. If you agree with my perspective, feel free to like, comment, or share. Creating content is not easy, thank you for your support. If you have other thoughts and questions, please leave comments in the comment section as good questions are essential for my creative inspiration. Looking forward to your assistance. I am Dr. Zhang Wei, a specialist in internal medicine. Until next time.
References
[1] WHELTON P K, CAREY R M, ARONOW W S, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines[J]. Hypertension, 2018, 71(6):1269-1324
