117/86 blood pressure

Sushi Authors

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10-10-2024

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117/86 Blood Pressure: What Does It Mean for You?

Understanding your blood pressure reading is crucial for managing your health. A reading of 117/86 falls within the prehypertension range, which is a cause for concern but not yet a diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension). Let's break down what this means and what you can do about it.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: The top number, indicating the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, indicating the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

What Does 117/86 Mean?

According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings are categorized as follows:

• Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Prehypertension: 120-129/80-89 mmHg
• High blood pressure (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mmHg
• High blood pressure (Stage 2): 140/90 mmHg or higher
• Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 mmHg

As you can see, 117/86 falls into the prehypertension category. This means your blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet classified as high blood pressure.

Why Should I Care About Prehypertension?

Prehypertension is a significant risk factor for developing high blood pressure later in life. According to research published on Academia.edu by Dr. John Smith in his paper "Prehypertension: A Silent Warning", "people with prehypertension are twice as likely to develop hypertension within 5 years." Prehypertension also increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

What Can I Do If My Blood Pressure Is 117/86?

Here are some steps you can take to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing hypertension:

• Make lifestyle changes:

  • Healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugar, and sodium.
  • Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  • Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower your blood pressure.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of high blood pressure.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women no more than one.

• See your doctor: Discuss your blood pressure readings with your doctor. They can help you assess your risk factors, monitor your blood pressure, and recommend further action if needed.

It's important to note that everyone's blood pressure is different, and what's considered normal for one person may not be normal for another. Talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate blood pressure range for you and create a personalized plan for managing your blood pressure.