{
  "id": 15244140,
  "title": "Can a blood pressure of 168/115 mmHg increase your risk of stroke or heart attack?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/can-a-blood-pressure-of-168-115-mmhg-increase-your-risk-of-stroke-or",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T17:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/can-a-blood-pressure-of-168-115-mmhg-increase-your-risk-of-stroke-or-heart-attack-10919761/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When a blood pressure reading of 168/115 mmHg is observed, concerns may arise about potential risks of stroke or heart attack, even if the individual feels well. To gain insight into the implications of this reading, we consulted Dr. Aseem Dhall, Director and Head of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital.\n\nDr. Dhall affirms that a blood pressure of 168/115 mmHg is significantly elevated and heightens the risk of heart attack, stroke, and organ damage if left uncontrolled. However, it is important to note that the exact risk cannot be determined based on a single measurement alone. Factors such as age, diabetes, smoking, cholesterol levels, and existing heart disease also play a role in assessing overall risk.\n\nHigh blood pressure is often referred to as a \"silent condition\" due to its lack of noticeable symptoms, which means a person may feel perfectly fine despite having elevated blood pressure. Dr. Dhall emphasizes that a reading of 168/115 mmHg should not be dismissed simply because there are no obvious signs like headache, dizziness, or discomfort.\n\nIn terms of symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency alongside high blood pressure, Dr. Dhall lists chest pain or difficulty breathing, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or confusion, sudden changes in vision, and fainting. If any of these symptoms occur, emergency medical help should be sought immediately, regardless of the blood pressure reading.\n\nIf a person's blood pressure is 168/115 mmHg and no emergency symptoms are present, the cardiologist recommends not panicking but taking the reading seriously. It is advised to sit quietly in a comfortable position for five minutes, supporting the back and keeping feet flat on the floor, while avoiding exercise, smoking, and caffeine. The reading should be repeated under these conditions, and if it remains close to 168/115 mmHg, a same-day medical assessment is necessary, even if the individual feels well.\n\nUpon repeating the measurement and if the blood pressure remains around 168/115 mmHg, it is crucial to contact a doctor for a medical evaluation. The doctor may need to review the individual's medication and check for any complications. It is important not to panic, take extra medication without medical advice, or attempt to lower blood pressure rapidly using home remedies.\n\nRecording blood pressure readings, medications, and any symptoms can assist the doctor in assessing the individual's condition. In the event of severe warning signs such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or confusion, sudden changes in vision, or fainting, emergency medical care should be sought immediately, even if the blood pressure reading is within the normal range.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Blood pressure of 168/115 mmHg is significantly elevated.",
    "Elevated BP increases risk of heart attack, stroke, organ damage.",
    "Monitor BP, seek medical evaluation if remains high."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
        "title": "Can a blood pressure of 168/115 mmHg increase your risk of stroke or heart attack?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/can-a-blood-pressure-of-168-115-mmhg-increase-your-risk-of-stroke-or-15246791",
        "published": "2026-10-17T17:30:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}