How is Borderline High Blood Pressure Defined?

Youve probably heard the terms borderline and normal high when speaking about high blood pressure. Now that the standard for normal blood pressure has been changed, those terms arent used in the same way they used to be. It used to be that a reading of 120/80 was normal, but now we hear that below 120/80 is where we should be. It was also thought that anything under 140/90 was safe, but it turns out that 130/80 is the new normal high or borderline standard. With these changes in standards, less people may die from high blood pressure. There may be a lesser occurrence of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases that occur. Borderline blood pressure used to not be so much of a concern. That has always been the point where the doctor instructs the patient to exercise more and eat a healthier diet. No medications were being prescribed since it wasnt yet considered actual high blood pressure. In turn, the patient possibly would not have taken it seriously since the term normal high seemed like a safe combination of words. Even telling someone they are borderline confirms the fact that they arent considered hypertensive. Yet that borderline number has always been more important than previously thought. With research showing that borderline high blood pressure can still do damage to the heart and arteries, doctors are becoming more likely to prescribe medications to get the blood pressure under control before it becomes fully out of control. Still, the standard that defines high blood pressure is the reading of 140/90, but anywhere in between 130/80 to 139/90 can constitute a high blood pressure risk. The key is to never get to the point where you are considered as having borderline high blood pressure. How you do this is by eating a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis. You can also work on keeping your stress level under control. Stress is a huge factor in high blood pressure, so doing practices such as meditation or Yoga can be an extreme help in reducing your stress in your life. Also, if the stresses in your life are able to be eliminated, it may be a good idea to do so. So the next time you go to the doctor, if he tells you that you have borderline high blood pressure, take it seriously. Dont think that it will just go down on its own because it probably wont. Something caused it to rise and it will continue to rise if nothing is done about it. Just remember that if you get a reading between 130/80 and 139/90, you want to do what you can to reach that 120/80 or below goal. Your doctor may prescribe medications or he may simply tell you that you need to change your diet and add exercise to your everyday routine. He may also tell you to reduce your salt intake since sodium influences a rise in blood pressure. Since this silent killer can take you without you ever knowing it, make sure you get regular check-ups and follow your doctors orders. Especially if you are over the age of 45 do you want to keep up with your appointments because you never know when your life is being saved. Sources: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011728 http://www.webmd.com/news/20011031/is-high-normal-blood-pressure-medical-misnomer