Is Your Blood Pressure Too High?

Is Your Blood Pressure Too High?

Heart stopper: If your blood pressure lands somewhere above the ideal range but doesn't qualify as "high," your ticker still could be in trouble, shows research from the American Heart Journal.

In the review, researchers found people with blood pressure readings between 120/80 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic) and 140/90 mm Hg were at a 28 percent greater risk of death from heart disease and 41 percent greater risk of death from stroke than those with normal BPs. Doctors define "high" blood pressure as anything at or above 140/90 and "ideal" BP readings are those below 120/80 mm Hg, according to the review. But the study authors calculate that roughly 11 to 15 percent of all cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths could be avoided if this stage of "prehypertension"--BPs between 120/80 and 140/90 mm Hg--were eliminated.

Elevated blood pressure--while not necessarily dangerous in itself--is a red flag that your heart's not operating the way it should, says Eric J. Topol, M.D., Men's Health's cardiology advisor.

There's an ongoing debate among heart experts over whether to lower the official definition of "high" BP to include any thing above 120/80 mm Hg. In the past, the evidence in support of this adjustment was mixed. But the review study of more than 1.1 million people may tilt the scales in favor of new "high" BP thresholds, the study authors say. That's important, because right now most doctors don't prescribe medication or treatments to address prehypertension, the authors say.

The good news: Lifestyle adjustments can safeguard your heart, says Dr. Topol. For example, working out harder, not longer, is best at lowering BP, research suggests.

Measuring your own blood pressure frequently can also help you stick to your new exercise and weight goals. Try a BP-monitoring device that connects to your smartphone like Withings ($80, Withings.com) and iHealth ($80, iHealthLabs.com), he says. They are good options that will allow you to watch how your healthier lifestyle is making a difference.

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