Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 8 hrs ago
A reading of 168/115 needs prompt medical attention
A blood pressure reading of 168/115 mmHg is significantly high, even if the person feels well.
Cardiologist Aseem Dhall says blood pressure this high can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and organ damage if it remains uncontrolled.
One reading alone cannot predict an emergency; age, diabetes, smoking, cholesterol and existing heart disease also affect overall risk.
High blood pressure can have no obvious symptoms, so feeling normal is not a reason to ignore the reading.
Warning signs such as chest pain or one-sided weakness need emergency care immediately, as do breathing trouble, sudden severe headache, confusion, speech problems, vision changes or fainting.
With no emergency symptoms, sit quietly for five minutes, then check again with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
If the repeat reading remains near 168/115, contact a doctor that day; avoid strenuous activity and do not take extra medicine unless a doctor tells you to.
A blood pressure reading of 168/115 mmHg is significantly high and should not be ignored, even if the person feels well.
Cardiologist Dr Aseem Dhall says the reading increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and organ damage if it remains uncontrolled.
If there are no emergency symptoms, the person should rest for five minutes and repeat the measurement.
If the repeat reading remains around 168/115 mmHg, the person should contact a doctor for a same-day assessment.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking or other severe warning signs require emergency medical help.
- Who
- People with a blood pressure reading of 168/115 mmHg. Cardiologist Dr Aseem Dhall advises what to do.
- What
- The reading is significantly high and needs prompt attention. A repeat reading that remains around 168/115 mmHg warrants a same-day medical assessment.
- When
- The article was published on 17 October 2026. The recommended assessment is the same day if the repeat reading remains around 168/115 mmHg.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Persistently high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and organ damage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An internet user posted a question on Quora about whether a blood pressure reading of 168/115 posed a risk of stroke or heart attack.
Indian Express consulted Dr Aseem Dhall about the risks and recommended next steps.
Indian Express published its article about the reading and advice on seeking care.
- Blood pressure reading
- 168/115 mmHg
- Repeat-measurement rest
- 5 minutes
- Recommended follow-up
- Same-day medical assessment if the repeat reading remains around 168/115 mmHg
- Expert
- Dr Aseem Dhall, Director and HOD, Cardiac Sciences, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital
- Publication date
- 17 October 2026
What people are saying
Do not panic, but take the reading seriously
If any of these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately, regardless of the blood pressure reading
the exact risk cannot be calculated from one reading alone
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is called a silent condition