How high should blood pressure get to be considered dangerous??

Question

After coming home from a very stressful day at work, my blood pressure can be as high as 168/115. Is this something I should be concerned about/
I mentioned this to my doctor but when he measures it, its only as high as 140/95. I also start the day with it around 120/85
I'm 47,I dont smoke, dont drink,not over weight, play 5+ hours of raquetball a week and consider myself to be healthy.
Should I be worred about having a stroke?
Thanks

Answer 1

Personally, Yes, I think you should be concerned. I can go to my doctor's office and the nurse will do a BP check at no charge. If it is very elevated--she will notify the doctor. Maybe on your way home, stop by the doctor's office for a BP check. (call them to make sure that they will do this) Seems like they will not believe you unless they do it.
Worried about having a stroke--don't think so--but concerned.
Plus, if you are started on BP medicine--at 120/85--the BP medicine will take it too low--maybe.

Answer 2

Defined as the force the blood exerts on arteries and veins as it circulates through the body, blood pressure is controlled by a complex regulatory system involving the heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It's normal for blood pressure to fluctuate often -- even minute to minute. In some people, however, blood pressure remains chronically high, a condition known medically as hypertension. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. Systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) denotes when the heart contracts and forces blood through the arteries; diastolic pressure (the bottom number) reflects when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) or lower. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure averaging 140/90 or higher in at least two separate measurements. If your medical professional has told you that you are at risk, please find out what you can do to lower your pressure, such as medication, diet and exercise, because the longer it stays this way, the worse your chances become--so put the odds on your side and make an appointment to actually be evaluated. It's a 'phone call that could save your life. I wish you the best of luck!!

Answer 3

your bp goes up when you are stress. To check whether you are on the high side or not, ask your doctor that you want to go for 24 hours ABP (ambulatory blood pressure).
This small machine will be attached on ur body for 1 day & take ur bp automatically every 15-30 mins. Its safe, painless, not expensive and accurate.
normal BP should be at 120-130/80. 140/90 is on the high side already

Answer 4

120/85 isn't bad, but the others are high, but not to really worry. I am not a Dr. but you should be on something. Mine has been as high as 265/125, that is when they didn't think I was going to live through the night. The worrying is what is probably causing it to be so high. It also depends on how much you did before they took it as well, all activities, even walking can increase it, but that doesn't make it dangerous.

Answer 5

Anything above 140 is considered high blood pressure.

Answer 6

i would talk to your doctor again. it could be cholesterol. like you, i'm young (34), very active, don't smoke anything, drink moderately and eat well. this same issue just came up for me. i'm not a doctor, but i'm going to speak with them soon about cholesterol. also are you black? high blood pressure affects black people more than any other race. as far as strokes go, do you get headaches? again talk to your dr.

Answer 7

sometimes exercise and stress may raise bp slightly
but try to start low salt low fat diet and mesure ur bp in3 different times ,then if its higher then normal limits
u should visit ur doc
if u have family history of h b pressure
go and check
its good that u dont have bad habits like smoking
the best to consult u family doc