What does BP of 139/89 means?
As per the blood pressure chart, a blood pressure reading of 139/89 falls under the category of elevated blood pressure, also known as prehypertension.
This condition is characterized by a systolic (upper) blood pressure reading in the range of 130-139 mmHg and/or a diastolic (lower) reading within 85-89 mmHg.
While a high normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be within the normal range, there are certain situations where it may pose a problem, particularly if there are pre-existing medical conditions or diseases involved.
To meet the requirements for a normal blood pressure, your systolic value should be below 130 mmHg and your diastolic value should be below 85 mmHg. Maintaining a normal blood pressure is essential to prevent damage to your blood vessels and organs, thereby increasing your life expectancy.
Interpretation of a Blood Pressure Reading of 139 over 89
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is indicated by two numbers separated by a slash, such as 139/89 mmHg.
The top number, or systolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. This is the highest pressure in the blood vessels.
Systolic (upper) value of 139 mmHg indicates high normal blood pressure.
On the other hand, the bottom number, or diastolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and filling with blood between beats. This is the lowest pressure in the blood vessels.
Diastolic (lower) value of 89 mmHg indicates high normal blood pressure.
It’s important to keep in mind that if the systolic and diastolic values fall into different blood pressure categories, you should always consider the higher or worse classification when determining the overall blood pressure classification.
In the case of 139/89, the overall reading considering both values falls under the high normal blood pressure level.
Blood Pressure 139/89 on the blood pressure chart
The blood pressure chart is a valuable resource for monitoring blood pressure levels over time and detecting any shifts or patterns. The chart organizes blood pressure readings into various stages of hypertension, ranging from low to severe.
A blood pressure reading of 139/89 falls under the high normal or prehypertension category on the chart.
What you should know about BP of 139 over 89
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
Various factors can contribute to the development of high normal blood pressure, including:
- Poor lifestyle habits (e.g., unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking)
- Chronic stress
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Age-related changes in blood vessels
- Underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea)
Health Implications of High Blood Pressure:
- Cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart disease, heart attack, stroke)
- Kidney damage
- Vision loss or blindness
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Complications during pregnancy
- Increased risk of aneurysm or artery rupture.
Although high normal blood pressure may not cause noticeable symptoms, it can lead to serious health problems over time.
It can damage the arteries, which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. It can also harm the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood.
Elevated blood pressure can also harm the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss or even blindness. Additionally, high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia in later life.
Prevention and Treatment of High Normal Blood Pressure
Preventing prehypertension involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and addressing underlying medical conditions. Treatment for high normal blood pressure typically includes lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes:
- Adopting a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while minimizing processed and high-sodium foods
- Regular physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Medications:
- Diuretics: Help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body, reducing the volume of blood in the vessels and lowering blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors: Reduce the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow and raise blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers: Relax the muscles of blood vessels, allowing them to widen and lower blood pressure.
- Beta blockers: Reduce the workload on the heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of contractions, thus reducing blood pressure.
It’s important to note that medications should be taken only under the guidance of a healthcare provider and as prescribed. Lifestyle changes should also be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can offer guidance and support. If you want to know more, check out how to lower blood pressure article.
BP Monitoring:
It is crucial to regularly check your blood pressure if you have high normal blood pressure, to ensure that it remains within a healthy range.
Monitoring can be done by visiting a doctor for routine check-ups or by using a blood pressure monitor at home. Additional tests may also be recommended by your doctor to identify any underlying health conditions that could be causing your high normal blood pressure.
By taking proactive steps to manage blood pressure, individuals can reduce their risk of developing serious health problems associated with high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure 139/89 Pulse Pressure
The difference between the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic) of a blood pressure reading is known as the pulse pressure (PP).
In the case of a reading of 139/89, the pulse pressure equals to 50.
Pulse pressure below 40 mmHg is considered to be low, while a value above 60 mmHg high. Thus, a normal range for pulse pressure is 40 – 60 mmHg.
BP 139/89 Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is a metric that reflects the average blood pressure in the arteries over the course of one heart cycle. This value is calculated by combining two-thirds of the diastolic pressure with one-third of the systolic pressure. MAP is frequently used as a gauge for tissue perfusion and organ function in the body.
For a reading of 139/89, the mean arterial pressure equals to 105.7.
A MAP value between 70-100 mmHg is considered to be within the normal range. Values below this range may indicate poor tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ dysfunction or failure. Conversely, values above this range may indicate hypertension, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Blood Pressure 139 89 on the blood pressure monitor
Conclusion
It’s important to keep in mind that relying on a single blood pressure reading alone is not a reliable indicator of one’s overall health status. This is because factors such as incorrect positioning or equipment malfunction during measurement can result in inaccurate readings. For more detailed guidance on how to accurately measure your blood pressure, please refer to our resources on the topic.
In addition, don’t forget when measuring blood pressure that you should also take into account various factors such as age, gender, race, stress or even time at which you take the measurement as all of these can have an affect on you blood pressure. To learn more about this topic you can read an article on blood pressure risk factors.
Only constant monitoring of blood pressure over time can provide a more accurate reflection of an individual’s overall state of health. For this purpose either use an app to track blood pressure or a printable blood pressure log sheet.
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Medically reviewed by Fomina Tatyana, Cardiologist
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