Seeing those two numbers representing systolic over diastolic blood pressure is very common. But do you know if a reading like 140/70 mm Hg is considered normal and healthy? Or too high to avoid eventual complications? Understanding optimal blood pressure means interpreting what different ratios truly mean for your physical wellbeing both now and long term.
Why Blood Pressure Numbers Matter for Preserving Health
Blood pressure measurements reflect the amount of force circulating blood places on delicate artery walls each time the heart beats. Normal blood pressure describes ideal levels corralling blood flow without straining vessels or overworking the heart. Readings creeping above 120/80 mm Hg accelerate deterioration of arteries, and organs and threaten cardiovascular stability decades down the road. This underscores the importance of maintaining numbers within defined healthy thresholds.
Reviewing Professional Definitions of Key Blood Pressure Classifications
To interpret what a ratio like 140/70 means, reviewing technical definitions from the American College of Cardiology helps:
Normal Blood Pressure – Systolic under 120 mm Hg AND Diastolic under 80 mm Hg
Elevated Blood Pressure – Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg AND Diastolic under 80 mm Hg
Stage 1 Hypertension – Systolic between 130-139 mm Hg OR Diastolic between 80-89 mm Hg
Stage 2 Hypertension – Systolic at least 140 mm Hg OR Diastolic at least 90 mm Hg
Hypertensive Crisis – Systolic over 180 mm Hg AND/OR Diastolic over 120 mm Hg – emergency care needed
As shown, a reading of 140/70 mm Hg meets the criteria for stage 1 hypertension based on its elevated systolic pressure. This indicates existing risk likely needing lifestyle change and medication to control before additional damage occurs.
Why a Blood Pressure Reading of 140/70 mm Hg Is Suboptimal for Most Adults
While the diastolic number of 70 mm Hg is good on its own, combining it with a systolic measurement of 140 mm Hg is less positive. Reasons that 140/70 mm Hg reading is considered unhealthy include:
- Systolic over 130 mm Hg: Proven to accelerate artery deterioration leading to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis over time.
- Independently raises heart disease risks: 140 mm Hg spikes the risk of death from heart attack or failure by nearly double that of ideal 120 mm Hg systolic pressure.
- Can reflect undertreated high blood pressure: Indicates existing treatment isn’t lowering bp adequately to reach healthy ranges below 130/80 mm Hg.
- Suggests lifestyle changes insufficient: Maintaining a reading of 140/120 mm Hg shows diet, exercise, and sleep strategies insufficiently control elevations.
Therefore most adults with recurring systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg require medication prescribed by their physician to reach safer parameters below 130, or below 120 mm Hg if having other medical conditions.
Next Steps to Improve Blood Pressure Higher Than 140/70 mm Hg
Adults with a reading exceeding healthy thresholds should promptly take measures to lower their blood pressure, including:
- Request testing like EKG, echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound to check vascular health
- Take prescribed medications like ACE inhibitors or beta blockers to reduce pressure
- Improve nutrition by emphasizing vegetables, fibre, and potassium over 4700mg daily
- Increase cardio activity 30-60 minutes daily to bolster circulation
- Lose excess weight if BMI indicates overweight or obesity
- Restrict alcohol/sodium to support BP lowering
- Learn stress reduction via counselling, mindfulness, massage, yoga
- Consider supplements like omega-3s, garlic, vitamin C, CoQ10, magnesium, hibiscus
- Use home BP monitoring to provide accurate ongoing measurements
Combining the above strategies facilitates lowering readings below 140/70 back down closer to 120/80 mm Hg. Supporting your physician’s treatment plan while making proactive lifestyle changes provides the most control over your blood pressure. Doing so preserves current and future cardiovascular health.
Supplements like Blood Pressure Support also assist with achieving healthy BP levels using well-researched natural ingredients. Under medical oversight, consider adding it alongside other positive lifestyle adjustments.
