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161/53 blood pressure: Everything you need to know
A blood pressure of 161/53 is considered
isolated systolic hypertension.
Isolated systolic hypertension is defined by a systolic number between 130-179 and a diastolic number of less than 80. It is one of the most common types of high blood pressure in people over the age of 65 but can also occur at any age.
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Symptoms associated with a 161/53 blood pressure
Because this blood pressure is considered isolated systolic hypertension, it's unlikely to cause symptoms. However, because the systolic number is higher than what's considered normal, it's possible (though very unlikely) some people may experience the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
If you have any of the symptoms above or just have questions about your blood pressure, make an appointment to speak to your doctor.
Lifestyle changes for a blood pressure of 161/53
Because this blood pressure reading is considered isolated systolic hypertension, you may want to ask your doctor about some lifestyle changes. Here are some ways you can lower your blood pressure without medication:
- Lose weight: One rule of thumb is that you can lower your blood pressure by 1 millimeter of mercury (mmHg) for every kilogram (2.2 lbs) you lose.
- Exercise: Walking, jogging, cycling, or performing another aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day or 150 minutes a week could lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mmHg.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mmHg in people with high blood pressure.
- Reduce sodium intake: A small reduction in sodium could lower blood pressure by about 5 mmHg.
- Drink less alcohol: If you drink more than one glass of alcohol a day, reducing your intake to one glass or less could reduce your blood pressure by 4 mmHg.
- Don't smoke: Not only does smoking one cigarette increase your blood pressure for a number of minutes after you finish it, but smoking increases your risk of heart disease and many types of cancer.
- Drink less caffeine: In sensitive people or people who rarely drink caffeine, drinking caffeine may increase your blood pressure by 10 mmHg.
- Reduce stress: We all know the stereotype of the guy whose face turns red and a vein pops out of his head when he's angry. It may be funny in theory, but chronic high stress may increase your blood pressure. Work to avoid stressful situations or triggers, practice gratitude or meditation, and make time to relax and do things you enjoy and your blood pressure may improve as a result.
- Check your blood pressure regularly: If you're at risk of high blood pressure, monitor it regularly and work with your doctor to ensure your blood pressure is in a normal range.
- Get support: Supportive friends and family will encourage you to take good care of your health and get help if you need it. Surrounding yourself with loved ones is an often overlooked benefit of lowering your blood pressure and keeping good health in general.
Medications for a blood pressure of 161/53
If you haven't been successful lowering your systolic blood pressure with the lifestyle modifications listed above, you may want to ask your doctor if there are any medications that can help. Keep in mind that because the diastolic number is normal with isolated systolic hypertension, medication may lower it too much, so it's important to work with your doctor on a solution that meets your exact needs.
The following medications are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure:
- Water pills/diuretics: Diuretics remove excess water and sodium from the bloodstream, which reduces pressure on blood vessels. Diuretics are typically a first-line treatment for high blood pressure.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Ace inhibitors relax blood vessels by preventing the chemical angiotensin from forming, which narrows blood vessels.
- Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs): ARBs block angiotensin's narrowing effect from acting upon blood vessels.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications prevent calcium from entering heart and artery cells, which allow arteries to stay relaxed and open.
- Beta blockers: Beta blockers block epinephrine/adrenaline, a hormone that can cause the heart to beat faster and harder. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat slower and reduce the force it imparts on blood vessels.
- Renin inhibitors: Renin is an enzyme produced in the kidneys that can increase blood pressure. Renin inhibitors slow the production of renin.
- Alpha blockers: Alpha blockers prevent norepinephrine/noradrenaline from tightening the muscles in smaller arteries and veins.
- Alpha-beta blockers: Alpha-beta blockers are similar to alpha blockers and are sometimes prescribed in people at risk of heart failure.
- Central-acting agents: Central-acting agents prevent the nervous system from speeding up your heart rate and narrowing blood vessels.
- Vasodilators: These medications prevent muscles in veins and arteries from tightening and narrowing.
- Aldosterone antagonists: These drugs block the hormone aldosterone, which can cause salt and fluid retention. Aldosterone antagonists are typically prescribed for people whose high blood pressure is difficult to control or who have diabetes or heart failure.
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended to be an educational reference only and is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or the emergency telephone number in your home country immediately.