Is a blood pressure reading of 140/80 high or low? Do I need to take medication?

Hello, Ms. Thu. I would like to answer your questions as follows:

1. Is a blood pressure reading of 140/80 high or low? Is it dangerous?

Blood pressure reflects the pressure of blood flowing against the walls of the arteries. It includes two values separated by a slash; the first number is systolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats), and the second number is diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest).

So, is a blood pressure reading of 140/80 high or low? The Joint National Committee on Hypertension (JNC) has established a classification for blood pressure in adults over 18 years old as follows:

Looking at the above classification, we can see that with a reading of 140/80, the systolic pressure (140 mmHg) is quite high (stage 1 hypertension). However, hypertension is not diagnosed based on a single blood pressure measurement, as blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day. It is lowest during sleep and higher when you are awake or when you are scared, anxious, or excited.

Doctors recommend that you measure your blood pressure several times a day, taking readings in both arms after resting for 5 minutes and at least 1 minute while standing. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure reading is above 140/90 mmHg after multiple measurements and proper technique.

2. Do I need to take medication for a blood pressure reading of 140/80?

If your blood pressure reading is consistently 140/80 after multiple measurements, it is considered stage 1 chronic hypertension. At this point, the question arises: do you need medication for a reading of 140/80?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you do not need medication in this case. However, you should adjust your lifestyle to control your blood pressure, such as increasing physical activity, eating healthily, losing weight if overweight, and managing stress effectively. Here are some measures that can help you maintain a stable blood pressure of 140/80:

• Diet: Limit salt intake and foods high in fat, cholesterol, and refined sugars. Increase your consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, good protein sources, and unsaturated fats.
• Increase physical activity: To maintain stable blood pressure at 140/80, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, engaging in simple activities like walking, cycling, jogging, or swimming.
• Manage stress: Reducing stress and avoiding stressors can help you control your blood pressure. Consider relaxing activities like deep breathing, yoga, walking, traveling, or talking to friends.
• Control your weight: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for hypertension. Therefore, consult your doctor or a nutritionist to create a weight loss plan if you are overweight or obese.
• Positive lifestyle: Avoid stimulants like tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, ensure you get enough sleep.

If, after a period of implementing these changes, your blood pressure remains high (above 140/80), you should consult a doctor. Please note that the decision on whether you need medication for a blood pressure reading of 140/80 should be based on the doctor's assessment and your overall health condition.

In summary, your blood pressure reading of 140/80 is considered high and should be evaluated carefully by a doctor to determine the best intervention. You can refer to the lifestyle changes mentioned above to proactively improve your health.