World Hypertension Day: Is a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg normal?

Very often we are advised not to worry about a slight increase in blood pressure. For example, 140/90, which is a common blood pressure measurement these days, is considered normal. But is it true? Is it okay to do nothing?
Hypertensioncommonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is constantly too high. This disease increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
Often called the “silent killer“Because it can exist without visible symptoms, hypertension requires regular monitoring and management. Contributing factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, stress and Excessive alcohol consumption Effective management involves lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and medications prescribed by professionals. of health.
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, we spoke to Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Vascular Intervention Specialist, Group Head – Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Director – Metro Hospitals Group to understand what means reading 140/90 and is this the new normal blood pressure.
When blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or more, it is classified as hypertension. Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. The four categories of blood pressure measurements are: stage 1 hypertension (130-139/80-89 mmHg), stage 2 hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg), elevated (120-129/assumed blood pressure blood pressure of 140/90). because a new normal could arise from machine readings and estimation of machine errors.
Dr. Gupta suggests taking hypertension seriously, even when the reading is 140/90.

Do digital blood pressure machines give higher readings?

Digital blood pressure monitors can sometimes give higher readings due to factors such as improper cuff size, incorrect placement, or user error. Although generally accurate, these devices may also be sensitive to body movement or speech during measurement. Ensuring proper use and regularly calibrating the device can help minimize deviations. For consistently high readings, it is advisable to compare with manual readings or consult a healthcare professional to verify accuracy.
Blood pressure readings can be influenced by factors such as improper cuff size, incorrect positioning and user error. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensure the cuff is fitted correctly, and measure daily at the same time. Regular calibration and comparison with professional measurements can further improve their reliability.

Dr Gupta explains: Individual requirements play a role in selecting the appropriate blood pressure monitor. Because they are very convenient and easy to use, digital blood pressure monitors are highly recommended for most people, especially for use at home. These devices often include additional features such as memory storage to track measurements over time, and they provide automatic readings, reducing the risk of user error.
However, the accurate use of outdated (manual) monitors requires proper training. These require manually checking the gauge and using a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds, which can be difficult for someone without medical experience. Despite this, they are frequently used in therapeutic contexts and are considered very accurate.
Incorrect cuff size is a common machine error that can lead to incorrectly high or low readings. Accuracy issues can also result from poor cuff placement, such as placing the cuff too high or too low on the arm. Variable results may be caused by human error, such as moving or talking while taking a measurement. Persistent inaccuracies can result from device calibration problems, which are often caused by infrequent maintenance.