Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the artery walls. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number), which reflects the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which measures the pressure when the heart is at rest. A systolic reading of 153 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) falls outside the normal range and signals a need for attention. This number suggests a sustained increase in force against the arteries, a condition known as hypertension. Understanding how this reading is classified and its potential impact is crucial for effective health management.
Understanding Blood Pressure Categories
A systolic reading of 153 mmHg is classified as high according to current medical guidelines. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) define blood pressure using clear categories to guide treatment and risk assessment. Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
A systolic reading between 120 and 129 mmHg (diastolic less than 80 mmHg) is termed “Elevated.” If the systolic pressure is 130 to 139 mmHg, or the diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 mmHg, the pressure is categorized as Hypertension Stage 1. A systolic reading of 153 mmHg falls into the next classification, Hypertension Stage 2.
Hypertension Stage 2 is defined by a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Therefore, a systolic reading of 153 mmHg is well within the range considered Stage 2 hypertension, regardless of the diastolic number. This classification indicates a serious degree of pressure elevation that warrants lifestyle changes and medical intervention. Diagnosis is based on the average of two or more readings taken on at least two separate occasions.
Health Risks Associated with Sustained Elevated Pressure
A pressure of 153 mmHg is significant because it causes continuous damage to the body’s vasculature and organs over time. This chronic high force accelerates the hardening and narrowing of arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. The constant strain makes artery walls less elastic, restricting blood flow to vital organs.
This pressure significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The heart muscle must work harder to pump blood against the increased resistance, leading to weakening and enlargement over time. This overuse can contribute to the development of heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Damage to the coronary arteries can also lead to coronary artery disease, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack.
The brain is highly susceptible to the effects of chronic high pressure. High systolic pressure raises the chance of a stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked or bursts. Restricted blood flow can also lead to vascular dementia or mild cognitive impairment by limiting oxygen and nutrients reaching brain tissue. The kidneys are filtering organs rich in small blood vessels, and the high pressure can damage these delicate vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
Essential Next Steps for Management
The first step after a high reading like 153 mmHg is to verify the measurement with accurate technique and consistent tracking. Proper blood pressure measurement requires resting quietly for at least five minutes before the reading, ensuring feet are flat on the floor, and the arm is supported at heart level. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended to confirm the average pressure, ideally taking multiple readings over several days or weeks.
A healthcare provider must be consulted immediately to establish a personalized management plan based on these confirmed readings. For Stage 2 hypertension, treatment typically involves a combination of nonpharmacologic approaches and medication. Lifestyle modifications are foundational and include adopting a heart-healthy dietary pattern, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
The DASH diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while significantly limiting sodium intake, ideally to no more than 1,500 milligrams per day. Regular physical activity is also important; aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly can help strengthen the heart and reduce arterial strain. Stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help lower pressure, as emotional stress can temporarily elevate readings.
For a reading of 153 mmHg, medication is often initiated alongside these lifestyle changes, particularly if the individual has other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The goal of treatment is typically to bring the blood pressure down to a target of less than 130/80 mmHg.