Blood Pressure: Should You Worry About a Reading of 135?
We’ve all experienced that little moment of tension when the blood pressure cuff tightens around our arm. The numbers appear… and suddenly, doubt creeps in.
But should you really worry if your reading shows 135? And is it normal for blood pressure to increase as we get older?
Good news: yes, blood pressure changes over time—and no, it’s not necessarily a problem. Let’s break it down clearly, calmly, and without unnecessary stress.
Understanding Blood Pressure: What the Numbers Really Mean
Think of blood pressure as a kind of weather report for your circulatory system. It reflects the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries and is measured using two numbers:
Systolic pressure (the first number): the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
Diastolic pressure (the second number): the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
You’ve probably heard the well-known reference value: 120/80 mmHg. While useful, this number isn’t an absolute rule. Age, lifestyle, stress, and overall health all influence blood pressure. So before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
