Facts About High Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels continues to be too high over time.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Many don’t even know they have it. The only way to know you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. A diagnosis of high blood pressure will need to be made by a health care professional.
Know your numbers.
Learn about your blood pressure numbers and what they mean.
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| ELEVATED | 120 – 129 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 | 140 OR HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER |
| HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure
Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get it checked.
Then, enter your numbers into this calculator to see which blood pressure category you are in.
Systolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure
Normal Blood Pressure
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Elevated Blood Pressure
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You have elevated blood pressure. Unless steps are taken to control it, elevated blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure.
Work with your health care team to get your blood pressure in the normal range. Lifestyle changes can help.
High Blood Pressure Stage 1
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High Blood Pressure Stage 2
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Hypertensive Crisis
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You may be in hypertensive crisis.
- Wait five minutes.
- Take your blood pressure again.
If your readings are still high, call your health care professional right away.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking.
High blood pressure is a 'silent killer.'
- Most of the time there are no obvious symptoms.
- Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can raise your risk of high blood pressure.
- Untreated high blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke and other health threats.
Preventing and managing high blood pressure
- It’s best to avoid high blood pressure altogether. Healthy lifestyle choices such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet and being physically active can help.
- If you have high blood pressure, work with your health care professional to control it. This may mean taking medications in addition to making healthy lifestyle changes.
Controlling your blood pressure will help you live a longer, healthier life.
