A BP reading of 140/90 or higher is now considered by most physicians, (IF it is sustained over a period of time) something that should be treated. That doesn't necessarily mean with drugs. Lifestyle changes might be all that is necessary.
Nux- readings below 140/90 are probably not dangerous, if you are healthy otherwise. If a doctor wants to give drugs for readings lower than that, I would definitely get a second opinion!
For years, until recently, the prevailing wisdom in medicine was that the diastolic # ( i.e. the 90 in 140/90 )was more important than the systolic (upper) number. Not so anymore. The systolic # (i.e. the 140) is now considered a far more accurate predictor of future cardivascular compliacations. But again, the keyword is "sustained over time".
And who on earth told you 130/85 was "bad"?
That could simply be a one-time thing, or normal for YOU.
This is often the reading one gets in the doctor's office, known to many of us as "white-coat-hypertension".
Anxiety just being in the doc's office. Best advice is to simply monitor you BP and see if it creeps up over time and STAYS there. Otherwise, relax. Exercise. Eat well, etc. (all the other good lifestyle advice you read on this board.)
[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 01-21-2003).]
[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 01-21-2003).]
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