What does BP of 164/44 means?
A blood pressure reading of 164/44 indicates hypertension stage 2, which is a more severe form of high blood pressure.
Hypertension stage two is defined as a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 160-179 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 100-109 mmHg.
It is important to note that hypertension stage two is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment and management to reduce the risk of developing complications.
If you are diagnosed with hypertension stage 2, it is essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and medical history.
Interpretation of a Blood Pressure Reading of 164 over 44
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, one written above or before the other, such as 164/44 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 164 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 44 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 164/44 the overall reading considering both values indicates hypertension stage 2.
Blood Pressure 164/44 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 164/44 falls under the hypertension stage 2 level on the chart.
What you should know about BP of 164/44
Risk factors:
The risk factors for hypertension stage two are similar to those for stage one and include age, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high salt intake, and certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
Symptoms:
Like stage one hypertension, stage two hypertension often has no obvious symptoms. However, if blood pressure is extremely high, it may cause symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and chest pain.
Complications:
Hypertension stage 2 can lead to a variety of serious health complications if left untreated. One of the most significant complications is heart disease, which can occur as a result of the increased workload on the heart caused by high blood pressure. This can lead to a range of conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Hypertension stage two can also increase the risk of stroke, as high blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels in the brain.
Other complications can include peripheral artery disease, which occurs when the blood vessels in the legs become narrowed or blocked, as well as kidney disease, which can lead to reduced kidney function or even kidney failure.
It can also cause damage to the eyes, known as retinopathy, which can lead to vision problems or even blindness. By properly managing hypertension stage 2 and taking appropriate steps to reduce blood pressure, individuals can help to reduce their risk of developing these serious health complications.
Treatment:
Treatment for hypertension stage two often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication to lower blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications may include regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss, and reducing salt intake. Medications may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, or a combination of these. If you want to learn more, check out how to lower blood pressure article.
Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for individuals with hypertension stage two, as it can help detect any changes in blood pressure levels and allow for timely intervention.
Blood Pressure 164 over 44 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 164/44, the pulse pressure equals to 120.
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 164/44 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 164/44, the mean arterial pressure equals to 84.0.
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 164 44 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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