Other considerations about blood pressure
Fighting back against the ‘silent killer’
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. It can affect all age groups: children, young adults, adults and older adults. High blood pressure quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems.
There is no cure. But using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life and control your blood pressure. These actions also can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more.
Blood pressure numbers for all ages
Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get your blood pressure checked.
If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly. Knowing your numbers can alert you to changes in your blood pressure and help you see patterns. Tracking your results over time will also show if lifestyle changes you’ve made are working. Tracking your numbers also can help your healthcare professional monitor how treatments are working. Print a blood pressure log (PDF).
Blood Pressure Categories
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (top/upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (bottom/lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| ELEVATED | 120 – 129 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| STAGE 1 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) | 140 OR HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER |
| SEVERE HYPERTENSION (If you don’t have symptoms*, call your healthcare professional.) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
| HYPERTENSIVE EMERGENCY (If you have any of these symptoms*, call 911.) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
| *symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking | |||
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 the reading is in.
Make changes that may improve BP
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Enjoy regular physical activity
- Manage stress
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking. Or don’t start.
- Take your medications properly
- Work with your healthcare professional
It’s important to work with your healthcare professional to manage your blood pressure. You’re a part of your healthcare team. You and your healthcare professional are partners.
Learn about high blood pressure and learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home.
By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can:
- Reduce your blood pressure.
- Prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure.
- Improve how well blood pressure medications work.
- Lower your risk of high blood glucose (blood sugar) and high cholesterol.
- Lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.
- Lower risk of dementia.
Credit: American Hearts Association
