A blood pressure reading of 164/64 indicates Stage 2 Hypertension (high blood pressure and high risk).
View the fullblood pressure chart to learn more about blood pressure readings.
What does a blood pressure reading of 164/64 mean?
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Already diagnosed with hypertension? If so a blood pressure in this range indicates the need to adjust your blood pressure medications.
Blood pressure readings in this range put you at higher risk for life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke. It’s important to your health to lower your blood pressure through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to chronic damage of arteries and organs. Untreated, this can result in enlargement of the heart, heart failure and kidney damage, which may require dialysis.
Unfortunately, many don’t have any symptoms even with very high blood pressure. So it remains important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
What to do if your blood pressure reading is 164/64
A blood pressure reading of 164/64 is cause for concern. The first step is to take another reading to confirm your blood pressure.
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You may want to calm down before getting another blood pressure reading. Lie down and rest for a few minutes.
Call the doctor if several readings are at or above 164/64 without any symptoms. A blood pressure reading of 164/64 coupled with symptoms such as headache, nausea, blurry vision, chest pain and shortness of breath point to a hypertensive emergency.
This is a potentially life-threating issue and you should call 911 immediately.
Once you have been assessed by a medical professional there are a number of ways you can address a blood pressure reading of 164/64.
Medications with Blood Pressure of 164/64
Medications can have a big impact on your blood pressure. There are a variety of different types of blood pressure medications available. Following is a short list of each type of medication and what they do to reduce blood pressure.
- Diuretics
Helps rid the body of sodium (salt), which helps control blood pressure. - Beta-blockers
Helps reduce your heart rate, which helps lower blood pressure. - ACE inhibitors
ACE stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. Helps the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and lowers blood pressure. - Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Helps block the chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow, which helps blood vessels stay open and lowers blood pressure. - Calcium channel blockers
Helps lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering smooth muscle cells, which can cause stronger heart contraction and narrow blood vessels. - Alpha blockers
Helps relax certain muscles, which keeps blood vessels open and lowers blood pressure. - Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
Helps lower blood pressure by inhibiting sympathetic activity. - Central agonists
Using a different nerve path than Alpha and Beta blockers, Central agonists help relax blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. - Vasodilators
Helps dilate (or open) the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
In addition, ask your doctor if any medications could worsen your blood pressure. Typically this includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin as well as some types of anti-depressant medications.
Talk with your doctor about changing or adjusting the dosage of medications to help bring your blood pressure readings down.
Lifestyle Changes with Blood Pressure of 164/64
Medications can do a lot to reduce high blood pressure but lifestyle changes remain a frontline of defense.
The first step is to monitor your blood pressure on a consistent basis. Purchase a home blood pressure monitor that uses an arm cuff and check your blood pressure every few days. Keep a record of your blood pressure readings and share it with your doctor at your next visit.
Whether you’re checking your blood pressure regularly or not, lifestyle modifications are usually recommended. Lifestyle modifications for those with a blood pressure of 164/64 include the following:
- Stop smoking
- Lose weight
- Increase exercise
- Lower salt intake
- Reduce caffeine
- Limit alcohol
- Alleviate stress
Review your medical plan with a doctor before pursuing lifestyle modifications since each patient may have specific medical conditions that make certain activities dangerous. For instance, your level of physical exercise might be limited by a heart condition.
FAQs
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic (see blood pressure chart below), and may vary from 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg in a healthy young woman. A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure (hypertension).
Is 64 too low for the bottom number of blood pressure? ›
What would you define as “too low,” and why is that a problem? A diastolic blood pressure of somewhere between 90 and 60 is good in older folks. Once you start getting below 60, that makes people feel uncomfortable. A lot of older folks with low diastolic pressures get tired or dizzy and have frequent falls.
What is a dangerously low bottom number for blood pressure? ›
But the same was true for heart attacks, heart failure, and death in people with low blood pressure (systolic pressure below 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure under 70 mm Hg).
What is the lowest blood pressure you can have and still be safe? ›
For most adults, a normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure is blood pressure that is lower than 90/60 mm Hg. Some people have low blood pressure all the time, and it is normal for them.
What should I do if my blood pressure is 164? ›
Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.
Should I go to the ER if my blood pressure is 160? ›
If you are monitoring your blood pressure at home and notice levels regularly above 140/90 OR if you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room.
When should you worry about the bottom number of blood pressure? ›
The researchers found that among those with systolic blood pressure less than 130, a diastolic blood pressure of less than 60 mm Hg was linked to more heart attacks and strokes. However, those with diastolic values between 70 and 80 mm Hg had the lowest risk of heart disease.
What not to eat when BP is low? ›
People with low blood pressure who eat a lot of tomatoes will experience headaches, dizziness, and dizziness. Cold foods such as spinach, celery, melons, watermelons, red beans, green beans, sunflower seeds, kelp, onions all have the effect of lowering blood pressure, so they should not be eaten.
How do I keep my bottom number BP low? ›
Below are some lifestyle changes that could help a person manage or reduce their blood pressure.
- Take blood pressure medications as prescribed. ...
- Maintain a moderate weight. ...
- Maintaining a healthy weight with cardio. ...
- Increase exercise. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Reduce stress. ...
- Get enough sleep each night. ...
- Monitor blood pressure at home.
Elevated blood pressure is systolic of 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1 high blood pressure is when systolic is 130 to 139 or diastolic is 80 to 89. Stage 2 high blood pressure is when systolic is 140 or higher or diastolic is 90 or higher.
5 of the worst blood pressure medications
- Beta blockers. Usually, beta blockers aren't used as first-choice therapies to lower blood pressure. ...
- Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic. ...
- Alpha blockers. ...
- Vasodilators. ...
- Alpha-2 agonists.
Natural remedies
- Eat more salt. Contrary to popular advice, low sodium diets are not suitable for everyone with blood pressure problems. ...
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. ...
- Discuss medications with a doctor. ...
- Cross legs while sitting. ...
- Drink water. ...
- Eat small meals frequently. ...
- Wear compression stockings. ...
- Avoid sudden position changes.
If low blood pressure causes a person to pass out (become unconscious), seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.
Can low blood pressure cause a stroke? ›
A less common cause of ischemic stroke occurs when blood pressure becomes too low (hypotension), reducing blood flow to the brain. This usually occurs with narrowed or diseased arteries. Low blood pressure can result from a heart attack, large loss of blood or severe infection.
What is an unsafe diastolic? ›
When the bottom number of blood pressure (diastole) is over 100 mmHg, it may be called diastolic hypertension (DHT). The normal range of diastolic pressure should be 60 to 80 mmHg in adults. Anything above this is considered abnormal (hypertension).
Is 165 over 65 high blood pressure? ›
For ordinary healthy adults, the pressure should be less than 120/80mmHg. If your readings are higher or lower than the healthy limits, the diagnosis can be as follows: Elevated high blood pressure: Any value that ranges between 120/80 and 130/80mm Hg. Hypertensive emergency: 180/120mm Hg and above.
Is 160 over 65 a bad blood pressure? ›
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom. Prehypertension levels are 120-139 on top and 80-89 on the bottom. High blood pressure, stage 1 is 140-159 on top and 90-99 on the bottom. High blood pressure, stage 2 is 160 or higher on top and 100 and over on the bottom.
What is considered stroke level low blood pressure? ›
In a 2021 study , people with systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of less than 60 mm Hg, and pulse pressure of at least 90 mm Hg were at a higher risk of dying from stroke compared with those with typical blood and pulse pressure.
What is a stroke level blood pressure? ›
Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include: Numbness or tingling. Loss of feeling in the face, arm or leg, often on just one side of the body.
