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

You've checked your blood pressure and noticed that it reads 145/70 mmHg. The lower number appears normal, but the upper one is higher than expected. This may have caused concern, as the user asked on Quora whether 145/70 is considered high blood pressure. To clarify, Dr. Aseem Dhall, a cardiologist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, explains that a reading of 145/70 means the systolic blood pressure is elevated, while the diastolic pressure is within the normal range.

However, one single reading is not enough to confirm hypertension, as blood pressure can fluctuate due to factors like stress, activity, or caffeine. Dr. Dhall emphasizes that if you consistently see a systolic reading around 145, it warrants attention, even though the diastolic reading remains normal. This condition, known as isolated systolic hypertension, can occur due to age-related changes in artery stiffness, but younger people can also develop it.

While a single elevated systolic reading may not necessarily indicate high blood pressure, persistent high blood pressure poses long-term risks such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It's essential to consider multiple readings taken at rest rather than relying on a single measurement. Factors like stress, exercise, caffeine, poor sleep, or incorrect measurement can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure.

If the 145/70 reading persists, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if it's recorded correctly. Older adults are more commonly affected by this condition, but younger individuals should also be evaluated. Readings between 130 and 139 may also require attention depending on overall health and risk factors.