A blood pressure reading of 140/40 falls under hypertension stage 1 category, which is the initial stage of high blood pressure.
Hypertension stage one is diagnosed when a person’s blood pressure falls within the range of 140-159 mmHg for the systolic value and/or 90-99 mmHg for the diastolic value.
These elevated values indicate that there is too much pressure on the blood vessels and organs, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Interpretation of a Blood Pressure Reading of 140/40
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, one written above or before the other, such as 140/40 mmHg.
The top number, or the systolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or contracts. This is the highest pressure in the blood vessels and occurs when the heart pumps blood into the arteries.
Systolic (upper) value of 140 mmHg indicates hypertension stage 1.
The bottom number, or the diastolic value, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This is the lowest pressure in the blood vessels and occurs when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.
Diastolic (lower) value of 40 mmHg indicates hypotension (low blood pressure).
It’s important to note 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.
Thus, in the case of 140/40 the overall reading considering both values indicates hypertension stage one.
Blood Pressure 140/40 on the blood pressure chart
To understand how blood pressure is classified, please consult a blood pressure chart. This chart outlines the different ranges of blood pressure and their corresponding classifications, allowing you to better understand your own blood pressure readings and what they mean for your health.
A blood pressure reading of 140/40 falls under the hypertension stage 1 level on the chart.
What you should know about BP of 140 over 40
Symptoms:
Hypertension stage one often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” However, if blood pressure is extremely high, it may cause symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and chest pain.
Complications:
If left untreated, hypertension stage one can increase the risk of developing serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Treatment:
Treatment for hypertension stage one often involves lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss, and reducing salt intake. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help lower blood pressure. If you want to know more, check out how to lower blood pressure article.
Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important for individuals with hypertension stage one, as it can help detect any changes in blood pressure levels and allow for timely intervention.
It is important to note that hypertension stage one should not be taken lightly, and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of developing complications.
Blood Pressure 140 over 40 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 140/40, the pulse pressure equals to 100.
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 140/40 Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is a measure of the average blood pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle. It is calculated by adding two-thirds of the diastolic pressure to one-third of the systolic pressure, and is often used as an indicator of tissue perfusion and organ function.
For a reading of 140/40, the mean arterial pressure equals to 73.3.
A MAP value between 70-100 mm Hg 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 140 40 on the blood pressure monitor
Conclusion
Finally, remember that a single reading of blood pressure should not be used as a definitive reference for a person’s overall health status. This is because there may be issues while measuring , such as incorrect positioning or equipment error, that could lead to an inaccurate reading. Here you can read in more details about how to measure you blood pressure correctly.
In addition, don’t forget when measuring blood pressure that you should also take into account various factors such as age, gender, 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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