Is 143/73 Good? Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
What Does 143/73 Mean in Blood Pressure Terms?
You just checked your blood pressure, and the result is 143/73. Now you’re wondering, "Is this good or bad?" The first thing I’ll say is: don't panic. Blood pressure readings can be confusing, especially if you're not sure what the numbers mean. So, let's break it down, piece by piece, and figure out what these numbers indicate about your health.
I recently had a conversation with my friend Tom, who’s always concerned about his health stats, and he asked me the same question. At first, I was like, “Hmm, let’s look it up!” Now that we’ve both done some research, I think it’s important to help you understand what’s actually going on here.
Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers: The Basics
What’s the Top Number (Systolic Pressure)?
The top number in your reading (143) is called systolic pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood. A normal systolic number is usually below 120, while anything between 120 and 129 is considered elevated.
So, at 143, your systolic pressure is higher than it should be, indicating that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood. This could be a sign of hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can lead to serious heart issues if not addressed.
What About the Bottom Number (Diastolic Pressure)?
The bottom number (73) is the diastolic pressure. This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A normal diastolic reading is below 80, and anything between 80 and 89 is considered stage 1 hypertension.
At 73, your diastolic number is actually within the normal range. So, while your systolic reading suggests some concern, your diastolic pressure is doing fine.
Is 143/73 a Cause for Concern?
What’s Stage 1 Hypertension?
With a systolic pressure of 143, your blood pressure falls into the category of stage 1 hypertension (130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic). It’s not yet a major red flag, but it’s definitely a sign that you need to take action to avoid future health problems.
It’s also worth noting that blood pressure readings fluctuate throughout the day depending on several factors like stress, diet, and activity level. If you only checked your blood pressure once, you might want to do a few more readings at different times to get a clearer picture of your health.
What Should You Do About It?
When I checked my own blood pressure a while back, I was a little shocked to see numbers that were slightly elevated. So I did what anyone would do—I Googled it (probably a mistake, right?). But then I consulted my doctor and got a proper evaluation. That’s exactly what I recommend you do if you’re unsure about your reading. If you're concerned about your 143/73 reading, it might be a good idea to:
Monitor your blood pressure regularly: Check it a few times during the day to track any trends.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and reducing stress can help lower your blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor: They’ll help you determine the right course of action based on your full health profile.
How Can You Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Lifestyle Changes to Consider
Now, let’s talk about practical steps you can take. I’m sure you’re wondering, “Okay, but how do I bring my systolic pressure down?”
Here’s a simple rundown of changes that could help:
Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. This helps your heart work more efficiently.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat proteins. Reducing salt intake is key.
Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both can raise your blood pressure temporarily.
Manage stress: This one’s tricky, I know! Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are all good ways to reduce stress.
Medication Options
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor might suggest medication. These can include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers, depending on your overall health. But again, your doctor will be your best guide here.
Final Thoughts: Is 143/73 Really a Big Deal?
So, is 143/73 good or bad? Well, it’s a warning sign. The systolic number suggests that your blood pressure is higher than it should be, which could put you at risk for heart disease or stroke if left unchecked. But don’t panic—your diastolic pressure is normal, and with some changes to your lifestyle, it’s very possible to bring that top number down.
As I mentioned earlier, monitoring your blood pressure and discussing it with your doctor is the most important step you can take. Don’t ignore it, but don’t stress out too much either. You’ve got the power to make changes that can positively impact your health.
What do you think? Have you been checking your blood pressure regularly?
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.