What does BP of 170/120 means?
A blood pressure reading of 170/120 indicates hypertension stage 3, which is the most severe form of high blood pressure.
A blood pressure reading of 180 mm Hg or higher for systolic pressure and/or 110 mm Hg or higher for diastolic pressure is categorized as Hypertension Stage 3.
This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt medical attention to prevent potential serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or organ damage.
Interpretation of a Blood Pressure Reading of 170 over 120
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, one written above or before the other, such as 170/120 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 170 mmHg indicates hypertension stage 2.
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 120 mmHg indicates hypertension stage 3.
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 170/120 the overall reading considering both values indicates hypertension stage three.
Blood Pressure 170/120 on the blood pressure chart
To determine 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 170/120 falls under the hypertension stage 3 level on the chart.
What you should know about BP of 170 over 120
If you have been diagnosed with Hypertension Stage 3, it is essential to take certain steps to manage your condition and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some of the most important things to consider:
Medical Treatment
- Seek immediate medical attention to prevent any serious complications. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medication as directed, including the dosage and frequency of use.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure levels and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
- Discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor immediately.
Lifestyle Changes
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day or less if advised by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels or avoid it altogether.
- Quit smoking, as it can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Self-Monitoring
- Invest in a reliable blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure regularly at home.
- Keep a record of your blood pressure readings to share with your doctor during follow-up appointments.
- Watch for any symptoms of complications, such as headache, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.
By following these steps, you can help manage your condition and reduce the risk of serious complications associated with Hypertension Stage 3.
Blood Pressure 170 over 120 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 170/120, 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 170/120 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 170/120, the mean arterial pressure equals to 136.7.
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 170 120 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.
If you have found this article to be informative and helpful, please do not hesitate to share it with others who may also benefit from its insights and information.
Medically reviewed by Fomina Tatyana, Cardiologist
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