{
  "id": 15246791,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T17:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-lifestyle",
    "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, one may wonder about the potential risks of stroke or heart attack, even if they feel well. Seeking medical advice is advised, but it's important to know the risks and actions to take. A cardiologist explains that this blood pressure level is significantly high and raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and organ damage if uncontrolled. However, the exact risk can't be determined from a single reading alone. Factors like age, diabetes, smoking, cholesterol levels, and existing heart disease also play a role. High blood pressure is often symptom-free, earning it the nickname 'silent condition'. Therefore, a reading of 168/115 should not be dismissed due to the absence of headache, dizziness, or other obvious discomfort. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention alongside high blood pressure include chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or confusion, and sudden vision changes. If any of these symptoms appear, seek emergency medical help without waiting for the blood pressure to increase further. If no emergency symptoms are present, sit quietly for five minutes before retaking the measurement in a comfortable position with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Avoid exercise, smoking, and caffeine during this time. If the reading remains around 168/115 mmHg, contact a doctor for a same-day assessment, even if feeling well. The doctor may review medication and check for complications. While a single high blood pressure reading doesn't predict a heart attack or stroke, persistently high blood pressure requires prompt medical attention. Record readings, medication, and symptoms to aid the doctor's assessment. If severe warning signs like chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, or other severe symptoms occur, seek emergency care immediately instead of scheduling an appointment.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "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",
        "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."
}