My blood pressure was 146/97 this morning. Is this the danger zone or mildly high?

Heres a brief bit of info on me : 28yo woman, 5'3"-195lbs overweight, no real exercise program but my work routine incorporates walking a mile 4 days a week, formerly on high BP meds but stopped taking a few years ago. I'm willing to change my lifestyle(i.e. eating habits, weight, activity) because I realize this isnt going to go anywhere unless it is treated. Im worried because I think my feet are swollen and I am a little scared. I have a daughter, I want to be healthy...dont want to be one of these people keeling over dead from untreated health problems but because I FEEL ok and have been the same weight for like 8 years and honestly aside from the health problems dont have a problem with my weight. Im rambling .....but I hope u get the picture...Im basically asking where do you start in treating this...like an overall (limited meds) lifestyle change...any ideas?

Shahsweetiepie,
Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow. The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body. The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. The systolic pressure is always stated first. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76.
A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "prehypertension" and needs to be watched carefully.
High blood pressure has two Stages 鈥?Stage 1 & 2. Stage 1 is 140 to 159 over 90 to 99. You appear to come within this category on the reading that you have given. However, a 鈥榦ne-off鈥?blood pressure reading that is high does not mean that you have 'high blood pressure'. Your blood pressure varies throughout the day. It may be high for a short time if you are anxious, stressed, or have just been exercising. You are considered to have 'high blood pressure' (hypertension) if you have several blood pressure readings that are high, and which are taken on different occasions, and when you are relaxed. Apart from any medication which may be prescribed by your doctor, you might be advised to make some lifestyle changes. These may include - Lose weight if you are overweight. Provided your doctor 鈥榗lears鈥?you for physical exercise, do some physical activity on five or more days of the week, for at least 30 minutes. You state that you walk a mile to work, then walk briskly. Have a low salt intake. Use herbs and spices to flavour food rather than salt. Limit the amount of salt used in cooking, and do not add salt to food at the table. Choose foods labelled 'no added salt', and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Now, for the four most misunderstood words 鈥?鈥淓at a healthy diet鈥?鈥?At least five portions, and ideally 7-9 portions, of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day. The bulk of most meals should be starch-based foods (such as cereals, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, pasta), plus fruit and vegetables. Not much fatty food such as fatty meats, cheeses, full-cream milk, fried food, butter, etc. Use low fat, mono-, or poly-unsaturated spreads. Include 2-3 portions of fish per week. At least one of which should be 'oily' such as herring, mackerel, sardines, kippers, pilchards, salmon, or fresh (not tinned) tuna. If you eat meat it is best to eat lean meat, or poultry such as chicken. If you do fry, choose a vegetable oil such as sunflower, rapeseed or olive oil.(Olive oil is the most healthy). Drink alcohol in moderation.



ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.


The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.


I add a link with details of this subject

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/
facts/hypertension.htm




Hope this helps
matador 89

Shahsweetiepie,
You're welcome. Glad to have been of help. I wish you well.
m.89 Report Abuse

That BP is quite high for someone of your age . To give you an idea , I am 69 and my blood pressure is 130/80. I am on medication to control that though. You do need to lose weight . probably about 50 pounds at least. It is all down to will power , I have been told to lose four pounds and it is a struggle . Good luck.

First of all, you're not rambling, it's good that you are aware of the situation and hopefully want to change it. One shouldn't pay too much attention to just one BP reading. For a more accurate result, BP needs to be measured over a period of time. 146/97 is hypertensive and if this is an average reading you are at an elevated stroke risk.

BP of 120/80 and below is normal and healthy and this is where you should aim to be. You need to see your Dr again for hypertension management, if it is established that you have high BP. Why did you stop BP drug therapy?

Even with drug therapy, you need to lose weight and try and remain as close to your ideal weight as possible, you also need to exercise daily and limit salt intake. See your GP, consider life style changes then hopefully things will improve.

Edit
The first poster was doing well until she mentioned that BP up to 140/190 is considered normal range of BP! This is NOT the case, that is completely medically incorrect.

Firstly, you must not base your ideas of your blood pressure on one reading. It must be consistently high for it to count as high blood pressure.

Secondly, this is only slightly high. The normal range of blood pressure is up to 140/190. Why were you having your blood pressure tested? If it was not at your GP surgery, I think it would be a good idea to visit them to ask for advice on how to lower your blood pressure, and to allow them to monitor your progress. It's also worth asking them about your swollen feet, and see if they're relevant.

In general, the best way to lower BP is to lose weight, cut back on fatty, salty and sugary foods, and exercise. You should exercise 2-3 times per week, for 30-90 minutes each time, and should do something that raises your heart rate and breathing rate. Circuits, spin classes, rowing machines etc. are all good.

And try not to worry too much. High blood pressure will increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, but in the long-term. I'm sure that you're not at too high a risk of anything at your age; but if the high blood pressure was sustained for many years, then your risk would be higher.