146/86 is this high

[baby j]

i was at the hospital visiting my friend
and the nurse was taking every ones bp she said would i like mine done i said yes it was 146/86 she said that was high about 6 months ago it was 146/91 but never paid much attention to it as i did not no if it was high or low im 34 5.7 and 160 pounds . i run 3miles 3 days a week so i think im fit is 146/86 normal many thanks

[heybaby]

yes 146 is kinda high, i am not dr but im 15 and i have had hbp for 3 yrs and mine ran WAY over that!!!

91 is good on the other hand!!!!

thanks,
ashley

[whippo]

Actually, systolic above 140 is categorized as hypertension, as well as diastolic above 90. What I cannot understand is that why no health care worker alerted you about your high blood pressure. They should have told you what the numbers mean, and how you can get help. But also remember that if you were doing something, like walking quickly, before your blood pressure was measured, it has an effect on the measurement. You should sit still for 15 minutes before taking the blood pressure. I recommend you to see a doctor about this.

~whippo~

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- Life is short, goes by too fast. So while you can, make it a blast. Make memories that will last. Don't live your life with regret. There will be mistakes you wish you could forget. But remember all the times, the good and the bad. The ones that made you happy, the ones that made you sad. Love life and appreciate what you've done. And you'll find that true living has just begun. -

[whippo]

Well, according to Sixth Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (1997) 146/86 is considered stage 1 hypertension. It's my guideline always when I assess blood pressure.

But a fact is that we are individuals. For some people it is normal to have a BP of 146/86 cuz they have always had that high a BP, and then it can be said that it's normal for them. But if you have had a lower BP before, and now have this high, and it keeps being high, then you have hypertension.

BTW, it's true that nurses and docs never have the time to re-check the BP, and it's a shame.

~whippo~

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- Life is short, goes by too fast. So while you can, make it a blast. Make memories that will last. Don't live your life with regret. There will be mistakes you wish you could forget. But remember all the times, the good and the bad. The ones that made you happy, the ones that made you sad. Love life and appreciate what you've done. And you'll find that true living has just begun. -

[SamQKitty]

Checking your blood pressure several times in the same arm can actually cause a higher reading. And, sometimes that happens even if you change arms.

But it's true that it should be checked when you've been at rest for several minutes or more. Blood pressure is quite labile (meaning it's constantly changing), so if it's high at rest, then you know it's going to go even higher upon exertion.

I believe here in the States a systolic of 146 is definitely considered slightly high. A diastolic of 86 is borderline high.