What does pressure 160 to 120 mean and what should the patient do?

In medical practice, pressure refers to the force with which blood exerts pressure on the walls of the blood supplying structures. In particular, arteries, which is why they most often talk about blood pressure.

Veins and capillaries are considered somewhat less frequently. Pressure is a generally accepted indicator of the health of the cardiovascular system; the state of blood supply to tissues and organs (partially) depends on it.

The normal indicator at the global level is not a specific figure, but a range from 100 to 140 by 60-90. Anything higher is hypertension with characteristic symptoms.

Interesting:

There is a concept of “working” blood pressure, but in this case it is not applicable: the level of “working” blood pressure can vary by no more than 10 mmHg from the norm.

Pressure 160 to 120 mmHg. Art. indicates a pathological process. What kind exactly - the doctor finds out. Self-diagnosis will not give anything.

High blood pressure levels pose a much greater health risk than low blood pressure in the short and long term: strokes, heart attacks, etc. are likely to develop soon.

Reasons for a one-time increase in blood pressure

There are not many reasons why blood pressure can “jump” sharply; there are many more pathological conditions with a persistent or regular increase in tonometer numbers. Nevertheless, such factors exist.

What are they:

• Abuse of coffee, strong tea, tonic drinks. Caffeine causes stenosis (narrowing) of large blood vessels at all levels, disrupting normal blood flow. Hematological fluid has to overcome significant resistance from the walls of the blood supplying structures. Hence the increase in blood pressure.
• Stress. Always accompanied by the release of a huge amount of corticosteroids (hormones of the adrenal cortex): norepinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol.

Individually, they have pronounced hypertensive properties. Together they give an even greater pathological effect. This is necessary to mobilize the body for an imaginary fight against unfavorable external factors.

The natural defense mechanism inherited from our ancestors can play a cruel joke.

• Alcohol abuse. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not have a positive effect on blood vessels.

In the initial phase of metabolism, they actually expand: the person turns red, and there is an active flow of blood to the tissues.

Already after 20-30 minutes, or even earlier, the reverse process is observed: narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, an increase in blood pressure and temperature.

A weakened body may not be able to withstand such an overload. Conclusion: alcohol is the enemy of cardiovascular health.

• Abuse of certain medications. What drugs can increase blood pressure - Citramon, aspirin, mood stabilizers, some antipsychotics and others. Before use, it is recommended that, firstly, read the annotation, and secondly, consult a doctor about possible adverse events.
• Consuming large amounts of table salt the day before. Salt is crystallized sodium chloride. Sodium compounds retain fluid in the body, preventing it from being removed. This is a path to hemodynamic disturbances and increased blood pressure levels, sometimes to significant levels.
• Drinking large amounts of fluid is associated with an increased load on the entire cardiovascular system.

As already noted, pathogenic factors in the development of hypertension are much more common.

What you need to know about blood pressure

The level of pressure in the vessels is determined by the volume of blood that is pushed out in one minute by the heart and at the same time there is resistance to blood flow. The pressure indicator can change depending on the physical activity of a person, it can sharply fall or increase.

Do not self-medicate. Consult a specialist:

Temporary fluctuations in blood pressure can occur with:

• Emotional turmoil;
• Physical overstrain;
• Playing sports.

In some cases, a sharp increase in pressure may be observed when the body position changes from horizontal to vertical. That is, some people experience this condition when getting out of bed. That is why, in order to get accurate values, it is necessary to evaluate the pressure immediately after sleep. During measurement, the arm with the cuff must be in a horizontal position.

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Some patients sometimes experience a phenomenon called “white coat hypertension.” This condition manifests itself in the fact that the patient’s blood pressure level may rise sharply in the presence of a doctor. In such a situation, it is extremely difficult to monitor indicators, since they do not correspond to normal values. Sometimes doctors advise keeping a special diary for accurate control so that data can be recorded daily.

According to general standards today, the upper limit of blood pressure can be in the range of 120-140 mm Hg. Art. If the indicators are higher, then drug therapy and preventive measures are already required. This is necessary in order to prevent further progression of the disease.

If the indicator exceeds 160 mm Hg. Art., then most often this indicates that there are other chronic processes in the body. In such a situation, treatment must be effective in order to achieve a rapid reduction in pressure, otherwise various complications are possible.

The lower limit of blood pressure should not be higher than 100 and not lower than 65 mmHg. Art. If the indicator decreases, the patient begins to feel weak and dizzy. With an increase in pressure, the risk of developing a hypertensive crisis, as well as myocardial infarction, increases. This is due to the fact that the load on the heart muscle and blood vessels increases greatly.

Blood pressure must be measured on both arms to be sure that the readings are correct. In this case, the difference in values ​​on the right and left hands should not exceed 5 mmHg. Art. If this indicator is higher, then we can already talk about possible vascular atherosclerosis, as well as impaired peripheral circulation.

Endocrine system disorders

This is a large layer of diseases. Key and frequently encountered:

• Hyperthyroidism. In other words, excess production of thyroid hormones (active substances of the thyroid gland). The thyroid gland is a kind of cauldron of the human body.

With excessive work, activation of all organs and systems is observed, the body mobilizes and burns resources. This is a dangerous process: the body works for wear and tear.

Blood pressure of 160 to 120 may be constant and not subside on its own. There is a high temperature, general malaise, and external signs of the disease are evident. Causes: thyroid neoplasms or the development of diffuse goiter.

• Tumors or injuries of the pituitary gland. In both cases, there is excess production of corticotropin. This active substance is synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.

With hormonally active tumors of the brain localization, large non-secreting tumors, excessive synthesis of the substance occurs. The result is the development of secondary Itsenko-Cushing’s disease with high blood pressure and other “delights” of this destructive pathology.

• Diseases of the adrenal glands themselves. They are also accompanied by excessive production of cortisol (a substance that increases blood pressure).
• Malignant neoplasms of the body of any localization. Characterized by systematic increases in blood pressure.

Diagnosis of hypertension

A cardiologist should diagnose the disease. You cannot independently diagnose yourself based on Internet tests or the similarity of symptoms with other patients. Self-medication and incorrect diagnosis can lead to serious complications. To prescribe the correct treatment regimen for hypertension, the doctor needs to identify the cause of the disease. For this purpose, a comprehensive examination is prescribed, which includes laboratory tests and visits to other specialists: endocrinologist, neurologist, neurologist, nephrologist.

Mandatory stages of examination of a patient with suspected hypertension:

• survey;
• taking anamnesis;
• heart rate measurement;
• pressure measurements on each arm;
• daily blood pressure monitoring;
• ultrasound examination of the kidneys;
• ECG;
• tests for the content of thyroid hormones, pituitary gland, gonadosteroids;
• neuromonitoring.

In severe forms of disorders, when it is not possible to determine the cause of the disease using general diagnostic measures, the doctor may additionally prescribe x-rays of the vascular system, magnetic resonance imaging, and stress testing.

Electrocardiogram is one of the methods for diagnosing hypertension

Reasons by age group

In children and adolescents, the most common factors in the development of arterial hypertension are:

• Excessive consumption of table salt. As already said. Systematic abuse of this substance leads to a persistent increase in blood pressure readings.
• Excess body weight. Provokes hemodynamic disturbances and increases the load on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the child’s diet and prevent obesity in the early years of life until stable eating habits are formed.
• Physical inactivity. Modern children increasingly prefer a sedentary lifestyle at the computer. Active games are becoming a thing of the past. Hence the increased incidence of early hypertension. Blood flow is disrupted and cardiac activity is not trained. Is it dangerous.

For teenagers, the list of reasons is somewhat wider.

These factors are supplemented by:

• Temporary hormonal imbalance. Blood pressure during puberty (puberty) is unstable. It constantly jumps within wide limits. This is a temporary phenomenon, which, however, needs to be corrected if there is a danger to health and life. The issue is resolved individually with an endocrinologist and cardiologist.
• Drinking alcohol, smoking. Few people would be surprised by a teenager who smokes or drinks. Bad habits are a direct path to hypertension at an early age.

Youth, middle-aged people (up to 40 years):

Usually we are talking about somatic diseases. Thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands. Diabetes mellitus. Variations are possible. Often a person creates a problem for himself: smokes, drinks, abuses fatty foods.

Representatives of the older age group (over 40 years old).

In this case, we are talking about the accumulated baggage of diseases and general wear and tear of the body. Among the common reasons:

• Atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels or occlusion of arteries by cholesterol plaques. With a long ongoing process, they become calcified and exist on a permanent basis.

• Kidney pathologies. First of all, pyelonephritis. Develops in many older patients. Accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Nephritis and glomerulonephritis also provoke an increase in tonometer readings.

An unfavorable outcome of a long course of hypertension of renal origin is the formation of so-called malignant hypertension. This is a deadly process. It does not occur with numbers of 160 to 120-124, but with much higher numbers.

In the vast majority of cases, the process occurs with mild tachycardia: 90-100 beats per minute. Over time, the patient gets used to it, but this is not normal.

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle most effectively protects against pressure surges. The following preventive measures will minimize the risks of hypertension:

• establish proper sleep patterns;
• do gymnastics;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• reduce the amount of fatty, sweet and salty foods in the diet;
• make a habit of taking a contrast shower;
• get rid of excess weight.

And also read on our website: Blood pressure in a 12-year-old child: normal, high and low pressure

You should also isolate yourself from unnecessary sources of stress.

Some reasons for blood pressure 160 to 120 in women

In addition to the above reasons, in women there are a number of relatively physiological conditions when such indicators are possible, since their hormonal levels are less stable than in men, and there are more peak conditions.

During the menstrual cycle (especially in the first and second phases), hemodynamic disturbances occur, temporary but significant and accompanied by changes in blood pressure.

Premenopause, menopause and postmenopause are always accompanied by jumps in tonometer readings, both up and down.

During pregnancy, blood pressure is usually steadily reduced. Hypertension is uncharacteristic and may indicate the presence of somatic diseases, although there are exceptions. It is necessary to check for these even at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Why is this blood pressure dangerous?

Arterial hypertension of the second degree is a dangerous and serious disease. With similar tonometer readings, destructive processes are already beginning in the body, which can lead to:

• disruption of the heart;
• further narrowing of arterial vessels;
• deterioration of kidney function.

The overall chance of having a stroke or heart attack over the next 10 years is 20% - taking medication will help reduce the risk of complications.

Symptoms that require you to see a doctor

Among the warning signs:

• Intense pounding headache. May worsen with physical activity. Pulsates in time with the beats of the heart.
• Dizziness.
• Tachycardia (heart rate acceleration over 80 beats per minute).
• Swelling of the face and limbs in the morning.
• Cognitive impairment: decreased memory and performance, especially during the daytime.
• Increased sweating.
• Chills.
• Goosebumps before the eyes.

These are all possible symptoms of hypertension.

Blood pressure of 160 to 120 manifests itself in the same way in women and men. Representatives of the stronger sex may have an additional problem with potency.

What is considered normal

Ideal blood pressure is known. It should be 120/80, but such indicators are becoming increasingly rare in the modern world. In view of this, you need to understand whether a blood pressure of 130/80 or 120/90 would be considered normal?

Normal blood pressure levels at the age of 16-20 are always slightly lower. This can be attributed to the systolic and diastolic indicators, so for a guy of 20 years old the indicator 110/70 may well be the norm, and the person will feel excellent.

The normal blood pressure indicators depend on the person’s age:

• In a young girl aged 20 years, the normal blood pressure is 120/70.
• For a man under 30 years of age, the norm is 125/80, and for a girl of the same age, 125/70 is considered the norm.
• In men aged 30-40 years, normal blood pressure is 130/80, in the fairer sex at the same age it is 127/80.
• A man aged 40-50 years has a blood pressure of 130/85, a woman – 140/85.
• For men 50-60 years old, the norm is 142/90, for women – 144/90.
• After 70 years, a man’s blood pressure is 140/80, and a woman’s is 159-160/90.

Based on the table, we can say that although according to the medical literature a pressure of 120/80 is considered ideal, such pressure is not recorded in people and is not strictly tied to the norm.

In any case, high blood pressure is a symptom of pathological processes occurring in the human body. If with a blood pressure of 130/90 you can do nothing, then with a blood pressure of 160/90-100 you can’t manage with lifestyle changes alone; medications are needed.

There is such an indicator as pulse pressure, which represents the difference between the systolic and diastolic indicators. Normally, the difference should not exceed 40 mmHg.

For example, with a pressure of 150/90 the difference is 60 mm, which is already considered a serious deviation that requires the necessary measures.

In this case, a diagnosis of systolic arterial hypertension can be made, which requires a reduction in the upper value.

How to help yourself at home?

There is no way to help. All the popular advice, such as washing with cold water, taking a contrast shower, or immersing your hands in hot water, is not only useless, but also dangerous.

If the pressure has risen to 160 to 120, you need to take a horizontal position, take a tablet of a prescribed emergency antihypertensive drug, or call an ambulance if there is none, or the pressure does not decrease within 30 minutes after taking the medication.

Additionally, the use of sedatives of plant origin is allowed. These are: Valocordin, Motherwort, Valerian in tablet form (not alcohol tinctures).

In the future, you should consult a doctor to prescribe or adjust therapy.

What to do with blood pressure 160/120?

First aid for second-degree hypertension consists of the following steps:

1. Calm the patient and help him take a semi-lying position;
2. Provide access to fresh air;
3. Give the patient tincture of valerian or motherwort. Excessive panic can significantly worsen the patient’s condition;
4. Take an extra dose of antihypertensive drugs, if any were previously prescribed by your doctor;
5. Wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Under no circumstances should you take antihypertensive drugs unless they have been prescribed by a doctor! This can lead to irreparable consequences.

Screening for hypertension

Diagnosis of hypertension in adults and children is the prerogative of doctors of several specialties, since the etiology of the process is different.

Specialist - cardiologist.

You may need to consult a neurologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist, neurologist (depending on the primary disease).

The list of objective studies is as follows:

• Patient interview.
• Anamnesis collection.
• Determination of heart rate.
• Measuring blood pressure on both arms.
• Daily tonometry using a special monitor.
• Ultrasound of the kidneys.
• Electrocardiography.
• Assessment of the concentration of thyroid hormones, pituitary gland, sex hormones.
• Assessment of neurological status.

As a rule, nothing more is required. In difficult cases, angiography and MRI diagnostics are indicated. Stress tests are prescribed with caution. Everything is decided at the discretion of the doctor.

Treatment

Medicines prescribed by a doctor may belong to a variety of active groups:

• diuretics - Canephron, Diacarb;
• sartans - Valsartan, Losartan;
• calcium antagonists - Amlotop, Diltiazem;
• beta blockers - Bitoptik, Atenolol.

You can fight hypertension using traditional methods, which include drinking plenty of freshly squeezed rosehip, radish, pomegranate or carrot juices, since they are diuretics and help lower blood pressure.

Therapeutic methods

Treatment consists of eliminating the root cause of the pathological condition. Only then do they act on the symptoms (only insofar as to prevent adverse consequences).

Antihypertensive drugs are indicated. There are many of them (more than 100 items):

• ACE inhibitors.
• Calcium channel blockers.
• Beta blockers.
• Diuretics.

It is possible to prescribe angioprotectors (to protect blood vessels from rupture and strengthen their walls), as well as sedatives of plant origin (Valerian, Corvalol).

Endocrine problems are solved by correcting hormonal status. It is important to prevent the development of stroke, heart attack, hemophthalmos and other dangerous complications.

The doctor selects specific names. Self-medication is unacceptable. It is not possible to determine the dosage on your own.

What are the dangers of high blood pressure?

If the blood pressure has exceeded the permissible norms and is even close to the point that a hypertensive crisis may develop, then this phenomenon should not be ignored. First of all, this condition indicates that the vessels are in a critical position and have been subject to wear and tear for a long time.

With such indicators, the patient faces a sharp risk of developing a heart attack and stroke, which can lead to irreversible processes in the body. If a stroke occurs, then a hemorrhage occurs in the brain and in such a situation the small vascular plexuses cannot withstand the heavy load and a hematoma forms. Against this background, the function of the organs of vision and hearing may be impaired, as well as the central nervous system as a whole.

An equally dangerous condition is myocardial infarction. In this case, the patient experiences death of some areas of the heart muscle, followed by their replacement with connective tissue. Against this background, the number of vessels supplying the myocardium decreases, but at the same time, in turn, hypertrophied, altered muscle tissue requires more nutrients.

These two complications are possible if the patient is not provided with medical assistance in a timely manner. In such a situation, the first thing to do is to calm down and take a comfortable position. There must be a full flow of fresh air in the room where the patient is located. Before the ambulance arrives, you must take an antihypertensive or vasodilator.

Home first aid kit for hypertension

Every hypertensive patient should always have on hand the recommended medications and medications to stop a hypertensive crisis. It wouldn’t hurt to purchase a tonometer to systematically measure your blood pressure levels.

You can purchase any tonometer (mechanical, semi-automatic, automatic); each option has certain disadvantages and advantages.

Just in case, you need a reminder on the use of medications (exact dosage, time of administration, sequence). A home first aid kit is filled as prescribed by the doctor, but often it includes:

1. Kapoten;
2. Clonidine;
3. Nifedipine;
4. Nitroglycerine;
5. Hypothiazide.

The main rule for a home first aid kit is to monitor the expiration date of medications.

It should be remembered that an uncontrolled attack of high blood pressure is extremely dangerous due to the development of life-threatening complications, such as: myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic, ischemic stroke, cerebral edema, optic nerve edema.

Family members of a hypertensive patient should know about ways to help the patient, how to behave and what to do in unforeseen situations. After stabilizing the pressure, it is necessary to contact your local physician to decide on subsequent therapy and adjustment of the treatment regimen. Experts will talk about hypertension and treatment methods in the video in this article.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=TmQe1OYg74Y

Therapy with a doctor

In the treatment of stage 2 hypertension, standard pharmaceutical drugs are used. But first, a diagnosis is carried out - the doctor examines the patient, collects anamnesis and listens to complaints.

He measures blood pressure and prescribes (if necessary) additional examination in the form of an electrocardiogram and ultrasound examination. As well as general, biochemical and coagulological blood tests, and a general urine test to detect protein.

Medicines used in the treatment of high blood pressure of 160 to 110 mmHg. Art.:

1. Diuretics. The main effect is to enhance the filtration of urine in the renal canals and remove excess fluid.
2. Calcium blockers. Medicines that stop the synthesis of calcium, which leads to a narrowing of the vascular lumen and increases the permeability of the wall.
3. Adrenergic blockers. Cause inhibition of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It is important that an excess of aldosterone causes an increase in blood pressure in pregnant and menopausal women.
4. ACE inhibitors. Prevents spasm of vascular tissues, thereby improving blood supply.
5. Anticoagulants. Prevents blood thickening and prevents platelets from sticking together.
6. Medicines that lower cholesterol levels. Hypertensive patients most often have elevated cholesterol levels in the blood, which means there is an increased risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which cause hypertension.
7. Vitamins with the obligatory presence of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol.
8. Mineral complex with a high content of potassium and magnesium.

Medicines for hypertension can be combined, but the doctor prescribes them after collecting the necessary information.

If the disease becomes severe, the patient is admitted to a hospital. Older people are recommended to undergo annual maintenance therapy.