Blood pressure 150 over 80: what do you need to know about mild hypertension?

In medical science and practice, a pressure level of 150 per 80 mmHg can be called mild hypertension (or hypertension, if the cause is the cardiovascular disease of the same name).

Moreover, the systolic (upper) pressure of 150 in this case is 70 mmHg higher than the diastolic (lower) pressure, which is quite a lot (normally the difference is no more than 50 mm). In such a situation they speak of isolated hypertension. This condition is much more dangerous than the classic version of high blood pressure.

According to the standards defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a reading from 90 over 60 to 140 over 90 mmHg is considered normal. Art. with minor deviations in one direction or another.

In this case, the concept of the so-called working pressure or the individual norm of a particular patient is taken into account. It cannot deviate by more than 10 mmHg. Art.

What does it mean

What does an increase in blood pressure (blood pressure) up to 150/80 mm mean? rt. Art. According to accepted standards, this pressure indicator is a symptom of mild hypertension. The upper pressure indicator is 150 mm. rt. Art. exceeds the lower one by 70 mm. rt. Art.

This is quite a big difference, since the maximum permissible difference is 50 mm. rt. Art. This condition is considered in medicine as isolated hypertension, which is much more dangerous than classic hypertension.

Blood pressure 150 over 80 – normal or abnormal?

Diagnosis of such blood pressure values ​​must be considered individually. In the vast majority of clinical cases, blood pressure 150 over 80 - alternatively, 155 over 80 - is a deviation from the norm. It is considered as mild hypertension.

Important! If blood pressure readings of 150 over 80 are recorded in the morning after waking up, then the risk of a heart attack or stroke is high.

But an assessment of this level of blood pressure must be given taking into account the following characteristics of the patient:

• age group;
• gender;
• endocrine status;
• person's profession.

In young age

Blood pressure of 150/80 in children and adolescents may well be acceptable. But this statement applies only to the period of puberty, which lasts from 12 to 19 years.

If a child exhibits pathological symptoms, this means that the condition requires medication adjustment: the teenager is prescribed medications with an antihypertensive effect. After the teenager turns 19, blood pressure levels normalize and become stable.

In old age

An increase in blood pressure to the level of 150/80 in an elderly person is not considered normal by doctors, but is quite acceptable. As a rule, people over 50 years of age have several chronic diseases, so blood pressure is almost always elevated.

The development of isolated hypertension poses a serious threat to the health of an elderly person, therefore, in some cases, hospitalization in a hospital is recommended for adequate treatment. Increased blood pressure is much more common in women than in men.

This is due to the active restructuring of hormonal levels against the background of the onset of menopause. It is worth noting that representatives of the stronger sex also experience serious changes in hormonal levels: a change in the balance of androgens occurs. But the male body adapts to the new state much faster and more efficiently.

During the period of bearing a child

During pregnancy, large-scale hormonal changes occur in a woman's body. And although during this period a decrease in blood pressure is typical, in some cases, on the contrary, it increases. But blood pressure levels during pregnancy should not significantly exceed the usual “working” values. The difference should be 10 mmHg. in both directions, i.e. both increase and decrease.

Isolated hypertension is especially dangerous during pregnancy

If the values ​​are very different from the usual ones, then we are talking about the development of pathology. The cause of high blood pressure should be determined by a doctor. Treatment in this case is mandatory, since high blood pressure can cause harm to the child.

For different body types

Blood pressure levels may also depend on a person's body type. Larger, heavier people are slightly more likely to have high blood pressure. This is due to the peculiarities of the course of metabolic processes, as well as the need for the heart to work in a more active mode, pumping blood throughout the body.

Features of the profession

Some types of professions can be provoking factors for hypertension. These include professional sports and work involving increased physical activity.

Gender

In women, physiological increases in blood pressure are much more common. The reason for this is weaker blood flow. But, again, everything is individual.

Hormonal status

In addition to the period of puberty, the time of bearing a child and menopause, an increase in blood pressure is also possible during menstruation.

What tests can a doctor prescribe?

The doctor conducts a comprehensive examination and prescribes diagnostic tests, focusing on the patient’s general condition, symptoms, and medical history.

If the patient is in serious condition in the hospital, the doctor carries out general measures to stabilize the condition. During an outpatient visit, the list of diagnostic measures is wider.

The first step is for a patient with high blood pressure of 150 to 80 to consult a physician. The therapist will listen to the patient, conduct an examination, collect anamnesis, and then refer him to specialized specialists. You may need help from a cardiologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, or neurologist.

To determine the pathogenesis and clinical picture of the disease, the doctor will need:

• examination and questioning to help determine symptoms;
• collecting anamnesis: this includes lifestyle, the presence of bad habits, identification of disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and vital systems;
• pressure measurements on each arm: the doctor takes sequential pressure measurements on each arm several times; an interval of 10-15 minutes is required between measurements;
• measuring blood pressure during the day using an automatic tonometer: this device makes it possible to determine the degree of development of hypertension, the severity of disorders in order to draw up a clinical picture;
• electrocardiography: checking the correct functioning of the heart muscle;
• ultrasound examination of the heart;
• blood tests: general and biochemical;
• urine analysis according to Zimnitsky, general analysis;
• urine test for glucose levels;
• blood test for hormones;
• encephalogram: detection of neurological disorders.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe an angiography.

An electrocardiogram is always prescribed for complaints of high blood pressure or discomfort in the heart area

Causes

The development of persistent arterial hypertension is most often caused by several provoking factors. In most cases, the reasons are:

Normal blood pressure during pregnancy

• predisposition at the gene level;
• errors in nutrition - abuse of fatty and sweet foods;
• overweight, obesity;
• kidney diseases complicated by generalized edema;
• diabetes;
• pathologies of the heart and vascular system;
• severe pregnancy;
• the use of oral contraceptives, drugs with a hypertensive effect;
• salt abuse;
• smoking, alcohol abuse;
• frequent stress, chronic fatigue.

In the overwhelming majority of diagnosed clinical cases, an increase in blood pressure to 150/80 is due to age-related changes occurring in the body. Why does this happen, what is the provoking factor? Against the background of the natural process of wear and tear of blood vessels, damage to their walls, a decrease in elasticity, and an increase in peripheral vascular resistance are noted.

The reason for the increase in blood pressure is also a change in the functioning of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. It is she who is responsible for maintaining the physiological level of blood pressure. Kidney disease, accompanied by fluid retention in the body, can provoke a persistent increase in blood pressure.

The next harmful factor is the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of vascular beds. In some cases, an increase in blood pressure to 150 to 80 occurs due to excess dosages of drugs with a hypertensive effect.

Psychosomatics

Recently, medicine has attached great importance to psychosomatics. Indeed, recent studies have found that emotional problems and stress are one of the main causes of all non-infectious diseases. And it is easier for infections and viruses to attack the body when immunity is reduced due to psychological problems.

Hypertension is also a disease that often occurs due to stress. After all, everyone knows situations when, during strong experiences, blood pressure rises and the heartbeat quickens. Moreover, the constant influence of such a factor can cause a steady increase in systolic pressure.

Psychosomatic causes of hypertension:

1. Stress;
2. Emotional stress;
3. Depression.

Some doctors believe that people with low stress tolerance are more prone to hypertension.

Also at risk are those who do not know how to forgive and can harbor resentment for a long time, experiencing it again and again every day.

Symptoms

Blood pressure 150/80 mmHg. not always accompanied by severe symptoms. Sometimes the patient is not even aware of the existing health problem. The absence of clinical manifestations indicates the presence of hypertension, which is characterized by a persistent and prolonged increase in blood pressure and progressive myocardial hypertrophy.

At the beginning of the development of pathology, the heart begins to work in an increased mode. This is a necessary necessity, since only in this way can the body compensate for the increase in blood pressure.

But after a certain period of time - it is individual for each patient - the myocardium is depleted, which causes heart failure. The latter condition often provokes myocardial infarction and ischemia.

When blood pressure rises, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• attacks of nausea;
• dyspnea;
• noise in ears;
• causeless anxiety;
• darkening of the eyes;
• chest pain;
• facial redness;
• numbness of fingers and toes;
• swelling.

Since the lower indicator remains within the physiological norm - 80 mmHg. – then the person has a significantly increased pulse difference, so he may experience the following unpleasant conditions: fainting, increased fatigue, changes in body temperature. As a rule, when blood pressure increases to 150/80, a person experiences an increase in heart rate to 100 or more beats per minute.

Is this kind of blood pressure dangerous?

A value of 150/80 can hardly be considered life-threatening, especially if the patient is not bothered by painful symptoms.
However, this deviation cannot be ignored, since it is already diagnosed as arterial hypertension of the first degree. This means that a person suffering from high blood pressure needs to consult a specialist and constantly monitor their blood pressure levels. Because without medical supervision, arterial hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and cerebral stroke.

Is there any danger?

A short-term increase in blood pressure to 150/80 mmHg. does not pose a threat to life, but with long-term isolated hypertension, the patient may experience various kinds of complications.

Important! The pathology is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can provoke the development of intrauterine complications in the fetus.

Isolated hypertension can cause the development of the following pathological conditions:

• atherosclerosis;
• disturbances in myocardial function;
• heart failure;
• stroke;
• long-term cerebrovascular accident;
• deterioration in the functioning of the visual apparatus;
• complications of diabetes;
• metabolic syndrome.

Treatment of the disease is carried out using different groups of drugs

Diagnostic measures

There are several ways to identify the cause of high blood pressure:

• Blood and urine samples are taken from patients.
• Patients are referred for an electrocardiogram.
• When examining patients, echocardiography is performed, which allows one to determine pathological processes in the parts of the heart.
• To ensure that there is no pathology of the kidneys and adrenal glands, ultrasound diagnostics are performed.

Treatment

Treatment of pathology is carried out according to a standard scheme. The patient will be prescribed medication, a review of the usual lifestyle and diet, and feasible physical activity. If desired, the patient can supplement the basic recommendations with traditional medicine recipes.

Medicines

Drugs from different groups may be prescribed. This:

• Diuretics. Having a strong diuretic effect, they promote the rapid removal of fluid and reduce the volume of circulating blood. As a result, this leads to normalization of blood pressure indicators.
• Calcium antagonists. Drugs in this group block calcium channels, which leads to relaxation of the myocardium and a decrease in arterial tone.
• Beta blockers. Medicines help reduce the activity of the main functions of the myocardium - excitability, conductivity, automaticity and contractility.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Drugs in this group block the transition of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and physical activity

A person with isolated hypertension must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. A prerequisite for stabilizing the condition is physical activity. The following will be beneficial for the patient’s health:

• swimming;
• race walking;
• cycling, skiing, skating;
• morning work-out;
• dancing;
• yoga classes.

Important! In the presence of myocardial ischemia and other pathologies, accompanied by oxygen starvation and an increase in blood pressure to 150, climbing high into the mountains is prohibited.

Proper nutrition

It is necessary to completely exclude or minimize the consumption of certain food groups from the menu. These are highly salty and fatty dishes/products, baked goods. The basis of the diet should be dietary meat - chicken, turkey, beef, veal - and fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits.

Benefits come from drinking cranberry juice and beet juice. In the cooking process, you can only use boiling, steaming and baking in the oven without oil.

Folk remedies

What else can you do to normalize your blood pressure? If desired, drug therapy can be supplemented with folk recipes. Good results are obtained by using decoctions and infusions based on the following plants:

• peony root;
• motherwort;
• valerian;
• hawthorn, rose hips (berries);
• chokeberry;
• viburnum, lingonberry (berries);
• swamp grass;
• mistletoe.

You can add a little honey to the finished products. This will enhance the healing properties and improve the taste.

Non-drug way to normalize blood pressure

If a person does not tolerate an increase in blood pressure to 150/80 mmHg, then you need to know how you can quickly alleviate the condition. The recommendations will be especially useful if you do not have an antihypertensive drug on hand.

• Cold compress. A soft cloth should be moistened in water, wrung out and applied to the area of ​​the solar plexus and thyroid gland.
• Taking a contrast shower. The procedure involves alternating comfortably hot and cool water.
• Vinegar compress. A cloth soaked in an aqueous solution of vinegar is applied to the back of the head and the area of ​​the calf muscles. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes.

How to reduce high blood pressure at home

There are special diets and foods that can reduce high blood pressure at home or prevent its occurrence:

• When eating, it is advisable to consume beets and beet juice, cranberry juice, and hibiscus.
• Among the herbs, it is possible to use valerian and motherwort.
• You should try to exclude coffee, strong tea, sweets, canned food (including homemade), large amounts of salt, fried and fatty foods (for example, butter).
• It is recommended to consume lactic acid products, fresh plant foods, low-calorie meat, seafood and fish.
• Food should be prepared by steaming or boiling.

If the patient has a decreased diastolic blood pressure, then in this case the medicines used are ginseng, lemongrass, and eleutherococcus. For signs of apathy and fatigue, doctors prescribe nootropic drugs such as Pantogam or Piracetam. Multivitamin complexes also help well, but they must contain iron. Here it is useful to drink hot, strong tea or coffee.

Disease prognosis

If the patient strictly follows all the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis of the disease is positive. Recovery occurs in a short time. Difficulties in treatment can be caused by primary hypertension, i.e. a pathology that has developed independently and is not a complication of another disease. In this case, the outcome depends on the effectiveness of the pathology that provoked its appearance.

Prevention

Prevention of high blood pressure:

• adherence to sleep and wakefulness;
• healthy eating;
• quitting smoking, alcohol;
• daily walks in the fresh air, feasible physical activity.

Do not forget that it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later. A persistent increase in blood pressure up to 150/80 mmHg is in most cases a dangerous condition that requires adequate therapy. This is why a person is advised to seek medical advice as early as possible.