What is the dangerous level of blood pressure 160/90?
According to medical experts, blood pressure is measured by two indicators including systolic blood pressure (above) and diastolic blood pressure (below). At normal levels, this indicator is usually below 120/80 mmHg. When it is 140/90 mmHg or higher, patients are diagnosed with hypertension.
With an index of 160/90 mmHg, both components exceed the safe threshold, showing a clear hypertension. This is a level that requires early medical intervention, and should not be subjectively monitored at home for a long time.
According to cardiologists, prolonged high blood pressure can cause serious damage to many organs in the body. Among them, the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes and brain are the organs directly affected.
High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke when brain blood vessels are blocked or ruptured, leading to lack of oxygen to nourish the brain. In addition, kidney function may be impaired due to arteriosclerosis, while the eyes are prone to retinal damage, affecting vision. In some cases, aneurysms or physiological dysfunction may also appear.
According to Dr. Michael Weber - a cardiology expert at SUNY Downstate Medical University (USA), moderate to high hypertension "is the leading risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease if not controlled by medication and lifestyle changes".
What to do when blood pressure reaches 160/90?
When the index is measured at 160/90 mmHg, patients need to quickly go to a cardiology specialist for a comprehensive assessment. If treated, this is a sign that blood pressure is not well controlled and needs to adjust the regimen.
Treatment usually includes using medication as prescribed by the doctor combined with lifestyle changes such as reducing salt in the diet, increasing green vegetables, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, maintaining reasonable exercise, controlling weight and getting enough sleep. Patients should also monitor blood pressure regularly at home to detect abnormal fluctuations early.
Proactively controlling blood pressure not only helps stabilize cardiovascular health but also significantly reduces the risk of dangerous long-term complications.
