‘MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS 150/90. DOES IT CAUSE ANY HARM. I AM 54 YEARS OLD’
When should you be worried? (Photo: Freepik)
At the age of 54, it is crucial to understand what normal blood pressure entails. So, when a Quora user posted a question: 'My blood pressure is 150/90. Does it cause any harm? I am 54 years old,' we wanted to deep dive and understand all about it. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is defined as a reading of less than 120/80 mmHg. A systolic reading between 120–129 mmHg with a diastolic reading below 80 mmHg is considered elevated blood pressure. "Stage 1 hypertension begins when the systolic pressure is between 130–139 or the diastolic pressure is between 80–89. Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 140 or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90 or higher," said Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
According to Dr Arora, since reading is 150/90, this falls into the stage 2 hypertension category. "This is a cause for concern if it persists, because numerous studies have shown that blood pressure above 140/90 over the years significantly increases the risk of complications," said Dr Arora.
High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to several serious health problems, which include heart failure, coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and stroke due to rupture of blood vessels in the brain. "It can also damage the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, and affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing vision problems or even blindness. In some cases, the first sign of high blood pressure may even be nosebleeds due to fragile vessels bursting under high pressure," said Dr Arora.
One of the challenges with hypertension is that it often produces no symptoms. "Many people feel 'absolutely fine' and may not realise the seriousness of the condition. That is why it is often referred to as the silent killer. Controlling blood pressure is like buying an insurance policy; you may not see immediate benefits, but in the long run, it prevents life-threatening complications," said Dr Arora.
The good news is that blood pressure can be effectively managed. "Lifestyle changes play a major role: adopting a low-salt, low-sugar diet, reducing saturated fats, maintaining a healthy weight, staying well hydrated, and eating more vegetables and whole grains," said Dr Arora.
What do you have in your diet? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, also helps. "Equally important are stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing, since stress is now recognised as a significant contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease, even in younger, otherwise healthy individuals. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake is also advisable," said Dr Arora.
What's your blood pressure reading? (Photo: Quora)
However, lifestyle measures alone may not be sufficient when blood pressure is persistently high, as in this patient's case, noted Dr Arora. "It is strongly recommended to start medication under a doctor’s guidance.
Medications, combined with lifestyle changes, can help bring blood pressure under control and reduce long-term risks. Once your blood pressure is well managed, your doctor may reassess and, if appropriate, reduce or discontinue your medication. But this decision should never be made on your own; regular monitoring and medical supervision are key," said Dr Arora.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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2025-10-10T15:07:26Z