‘Is 145/70 mmHg considered high blood pressure?’

A Quora user asked whether a blood pressure reading of 145/70 mmHg is considered high pressure. Dr Aseem Dhall, a cardiac specialist, explained that the lower number represents diastolic pressure, the pressure between heartbeats, while the higher number is systolic pressure, the pressure during heart contractions. In this case, the systolic reading of 145 is elevated, but the diastolic reading of 70 is within the normal range.

However, one blood pressure reading alone isn't enough to diagnose hypertension. Dr Dhall emphasized that this elevated systolic pressure, combined with a normal diastolic pressure, may indicate isolated systolic hypertension. This condition can occur due to age-related changes in artery stiffness, affecting both older adults and younger individuals.

While a single elevated systolic reading may not be cause for immediate concern, repeated measurements of 145/70 or higher should prompt a consultation with a doctor. This is especially true if other factors like stress, poor sleep, or incorrect measurement could have temporarily increased blood pressure.