No, it's not! According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, a normal healthy blood pressure reading should have a systolic value of less than 120 and a diastolic value of less than 80. Any blood pressure reading above this range is considered elevated. Specifically, a reading of 160/100 would be classified as High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 according to AHA guidelines.

Do you Know? In 2021, there were 691,095 deaths in the United States in which hypertension was either the primary cause or a contributing factor.

What does blood pressure reading of 160/100 mean?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when the blood pressure exceeds the average level of 120/80 mmHg. Your blood pressure reading at 160/100 exceeds this range. It occurs when the force of blood against artery walls becomes higher than usual. Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day. However, consistently elevated blood pressure can have serious consequences, leading to various health conditions such as heart disease and kidney disease. According to the new guidelines cardiovascular disease risk starts to increase at a blood pressure level of 115/75 mm Hg, and with every increase of 20 mmHg in systolic pressure and 10 mmHg in diastolic pressure, the risk doubles. Based on your blood pressure reading of 160/100, you are at an 1600% increased risk

Causes of 160/100 Blood Pressure

What are the causes of High Blood Pressure?

Several behavioral and lifestyle factors contribute to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure as high as 160/100.

1. Poor diet choices: Federal guidelines recommend a daily sodium intake of 2300mg, but many Americans surpass this limit. Consuming too much salt can have detrimental effects on health, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Being physically active is crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure. Moderate exercise helps prevent weight gain, reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
3. Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact both mental and physical health. As per guidelines, it's recommended that women should not have more than one drink per day, and men should limit their intake to a maximum of two drinks per day to ensure safety.
4. Overweight: Obesity not only increases the risk of hypertension but also other medical conditions like diabetes. It is crucial to manage your weight to minimize these health risks. Obesity also increases the risk of increased cholesterol
5. Tobacco use: Using tobacco raises the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Smoking is harmful to the heart and blood vessels, as nicotine raises blood pressure, and inhaling carbon monoxide from tobacco reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
6. Diabetes: Diabetes and hypertension are commonly associated conditions. According to a study, 6 out of 10 individuals with diabetes also have hypertension. The elevated sugar levels in diabetes can raise the risk of heart disease.

Other Factors That Increase the Risk are:

1. Age: The risk of having increased blood pressure increases as you age because the older you get the stiffer the arteries which then exert more pressure.
2. Sex: The likelihood of women developing high blood pressure at some point in their lives is similar to that of men.
3. Family history: Genes have a role in high blood pressure and heart disease, along with other related conditions. Additionally, individuals with a family history of high blood pressure may share common environments and potential risk factors that contribute to their increased risk.
4. Race or ethnicity: Black individuals have a higher occurrence of high blood pressure than white individuals.

The impact of high blood pressure on the body is multifaceted and can have several detrimental effects. Hypertension places additional strain on the heart, leading to increased workload and potential damage to arteries. It may result in strokes and heart failure. Elevated blood pressure also causes the constriction of blood vessels, leading to damage in organs that rely on proper blood and oxygen supply. This can result in various complications, such as retinal damage leading to blindness, kidney failure, and erectile dysfunction in men.