What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of

arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers—the
systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic
pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The
measurement is written one above or before the other, with
the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the
bottom. For example, a blood pressure measurement of
120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed
verbally as "120 over 80."

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.

Categories for Blood Pressure

Levels in Adults
(Ages 18 Years and Older)

  Blood Pressure Level (mmHg)

Category Systolic   Diastolic

Normal < 120 and < 80

Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89

High Blood Pressure  

Stage 1 Hypertension 140–159 or 90–99

Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or 100

Legend
< means LESS THAN
means GREATER THAN OR EQUAL
TO

When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher
category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mmHg
would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).

High Blood Pressure

 High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for
getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for
having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has
no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or
gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated
that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure.
Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime.
You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking
action.

In this section you will learn more about what high blood
pressure is and what it does inside the body.

What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?

Why Is High Blood Pressure Important?
Effect of High Blood Pressure on Your Body
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Who Can Develop High Blood Pressure?

What Are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure rises and
falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood
pressure.

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure is
dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the
first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressure also can
result in other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.

A blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. About two-thirds
of people over age 65 have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is between 120/80
mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. This means that you don't
have high blood pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future. You can take steps
to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Those who do not have high blood pressure at age 55 face a 90 percent chance of
developing it during their lifetimes. So high blood pressure is a condition that most
people have at some point in their lives.

Both numbers in a blood pressure test are important, but for people who are 50 or older,
systolic pressure gives the most accurate diagnosis of high blood pressure. Systolic
pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It is high if it is 140 mmHg or
above.

What is systolic blood pressure?

Systolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. It is shown as the
top number in a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure is 140 and higher for
systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure does not need to be high for you to have high blood
pressure. When that happens, the condition is called "isolated systolic hypertension," or
ISH.

Is isolated systolic high blood pressure common?

Yes. It is the most common form of high blood pressure for older Americans. For most
Americans, systolic blood pressure increases with age, while diastolic increases until
about age 55 and then declines. About 65 percent of hypertensives over age 60 have ISH.
You may have ISH and feel fine. As with other types of high blood pressure, ISH often
causes no symptoms. To find out if you have ISH — or any type of high blood pressure
— see your doctor and have a blood pressure test. The test is quick and painless.

Is isolated systolic high blood pressure dangerous?

Any form of high blood pressure is dangerous if not properly treated. Both numbers in a
blood pressure test are important, but, for some, the systolic is especially meaningful.
That's because, for those persons middle aged and older, systolic pressure gives a better
diagnosis of high blood pressure.

If left uncontrolled, high systolic pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive
heart failure, kidney damage, blindness, or other conditions. While it cannot be cured
once it has developed, ISH can be controlled.

Clinical studies have proven that treating a high systolic pressure saves lives, greatly
reduces illness, and improves the quality of life. Yet, most Americans do not have their
high systolic pressure under control.

Does it require special treatment?

Treatment options for ISH are the same as for other types of high blood pressure, in
which both systolic and diastolic pressures are high. ISH is treated with lifestyle changes
and/or medications. The key for any high blood pressure treatment is to bring the
condition under proper control. Blood pressure should be controlled to less than 140/90
mmHg. If yours is not, then ask your doctor why. You may just need a lifestyle or drug
change, such as reducing salt in your diet or adding a second medication.
What is diastolic blood pressure?

Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats.
It's shown as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

The diastolic blood pressure has been and remains, especially for younger people, an
important hypertension number. The higher the diastolic blood pressure the greater the
risk for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. As people become older, the diastolic
pressure will begin to decrease and the systolic blood pressure begins to rise and becomes
more important. A rise in systolic blood pressure will also increase the chance for heart
attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Your physician will use both the systolic and the
diastolic blood pressure to determine your blood pressure category and appropriate
prevention and treatment activities.

Why Is High Blood Pressure Important?

High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the

heart work too hard. It also makes the walls of the
arteries hard. High blood pressure increases the risk for
heart disease and stroke, the first- and third-leading
causes of death for Americans. High blood pressure can
also cause other problems, such as heart failure, kidney
disease, and blindness.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Stroke

Risk Factors
Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that can increase your
chances of developing a disease. For instance, high blood
pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

There are other risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Most
can be modified, though some cannot. The more risk factors
you have, the greater your chances of developing disease. So
it is important to take steps to prevent or control these risk factors.
Heart disease and stroke risk factors that can be controlled are:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Abnormal cholesterol
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Overweight
Physical inactivity

Risk factors beyond your control are:

Age (55 years and older for men and 65 years or older for women)
Family history of early heart disease (having a mother or sister who has been diagnosed
with heart disease before age 65, or a father or brother diagnosed before age 55) or family
history of stroke

Effect of High Blood Pressure on Your Body

Find out about the effect of high blood pressure on your body. Click on the brain, eyes,
arteries, kidneys, and heart to get a closer look at what high blood pressure does to these
organs.
 Stroke
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke. Very high
pressure can cause a break in a weakened blood vessel, which then bleeds
in the brain. This can cause a stroke. If a blood clot blocks one of the
narrowed arteries, it can also cause a stroke.

Impaired Vision
High blood pressure can eventually cause blood vessels in the eye to burst or
bleed. Vision may become blurred or otherwise impaired and can result in
blindness.

Arteries
As people get older, arteries throughout the body "harden," especially those in the heart, brain,
and kidneys. High blood pressure is associated with these "stiffer" arteries. This, in turn, causes
the heart and kidneys to work harder.

Kidney Damage
The kidneys act as filters to rid the body of wastes. Over time, high blood pressure can narrow
and thicken the blood vessels of the kidneys. The kidneys filter less fluid, and waste builds up in
the blood. The kidneys may fail altogether. When this happens, medical treatment (dialysis) or a
kidney transplant may be needed.

Heart Attack
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack. The arteries bring oxygen-carrying
blood to the heart muscle. If the heart cannot get enough oxygen, chest pain, also known as
"angina," can occur. If the flow of blood is blocked, a heart attack results.
 Congestive Heart Failure
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF is a
serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the
body's needs.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The causes of high blood pressure vary. Causes may include narrowing of the arteries, a greater
than normal volume of blood, or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. Any of
these conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery walls. High blood pressure might
also be caused by another medical problem. Most of the time, the cause is not known. Although
high blood pressure usually cannot be cured, in most cases it can be prevented and controlled.

Who Can Develop High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is common. About 65 million American adults — nearly 1 in 3 — have high
blood pressure. It is very common in African Americans, who may get it earlier in life and more
often than whites. Many Americans tend to develop high blood pressure as they get older, but this
is not a part of healthy aging. Middle-aged Americans face a 90% chance of developing high
blood pressure during their lives. Others at risk for developing high blood pressure are the
overweight, those with a family history of high blood pressure, and those with prehypertension
(120–139/80–89 mmHg).

High Blood Pressure Detection

You can find out if you have high blood

pressure by having your blood pressure
checked regularly. Most doctors will
diagnose a person with high blood pressure
on the basis of two or more readings, taken
on several occasions. A consistent blood
pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher
is considered high blood pressure, another
term for hypertension.

Some people experience high blood pressure only when they visit the
doctor's office. This condition is called "white-coat hypertension." If
your doctor suspects this, you may be asked to monitor your blood
pressure at home or asked to wear a device called an ambulatory blood
pressure monitor. This device is usually worn for 24 hours and can take
blood pressure every 30 minutes. In this section you will learn more
 about diagnosing high blood pressure.

How Do I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure?

How Is Blood Pressure Tested?
Tips for Having Your Blood Pressure Taken
Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults
What Device Can I Use to Take My Own Blood Pressure?

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have high
blood pressure is to be tested for it. Using the familiar blood pressure cuff, your doctor or nurse
can easily tell if your blood pressure is high.

How Is Blood Pressure Tested?

Having your blood pressure tested is quick and easy. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of
mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers systolic pressure "over" diastolic pressure. For
example, the doctor or nurse might say "130 over 80" as a blood pressure reading.

Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. As we grow older, systolic blood
pressure is especially important.

To test your blood pressure, your doctor will use a familiar device with a long name. It is called a
sphygmomanometer (pronounced sfig’-mo-ma-nom-e-ter), and may look something like this:
Some blood pressure testing devices use electronic instruments or digital readouts. In these cases,
the blood pressure reading appears on a small screen or is signaled in beeps, and no stethoscope is
used.

Tips for Having Your

Blood Pressure Taken
Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure measured.
Before the test, sit for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your
arm on a table at the level of your heart.
Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
Get two readings, taken at least two minutes apart, and average the results.
 Ask the doctor or nurse to tell you the blood pressure reading in numbers.

What device can I use to take my own blood pressure?

Tests at home can be done with the familiar blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope, or with an
electronic monitor, such as a digital readout monitor. Also, be sure that
the person who will use the device reads the instructions before taking
blood pressure readings. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can help
you check the device and teach you how to use it. You also may ask
for their help in choosing the right one for you. Blood pressure devices
can be bought at various places, such as discount chain stores and
pharmacies.

Prevention
You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a
healthy lifestyle. These steps include maintaining a healthy weight;
being physically active; following a healthy eating plan, that
emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; choosing and
preparing foods with less salt and sodium; and, if you drink alcoholic
beverages, drinking in moderation. In this section you will learn
more about healthy lifestyle habits for preventing and controlling
high blood pressure.

Following a Healthy Eating Pattern

Reducing Salt and Sodium in Your Diet
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being Physically Active
Limiting Alcohol Intake
Quitting Smoking
Q&A on Other Factors Affecting Blood Pressure

Healthy Eating
Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing
high blood pressure and lower an already elevated blood pressure.

For an overall eating plan, consider the DASH eating plan. "DASH" stands for "Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension," a clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on
blood pressure. Study results indicated that elevated blood pressures were reduced by an eating
plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods and is low in saturated fat, total fat,
and cholesterol. The DASH eating plan includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts and has
reduced amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages.

A second clinical study, called "DASH-Sodium," looked at the effect of a reduced dietary sodium
intake on blood pressure as people followed either the DASH eating plan or a typical American
diet. Results showed that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure for both the DASH
eating plan and the typical American diet. The biggest blood pressure-lowering benefits were for
those eating the DASH eating plan at the lowest sodium level (1,500 milligrams per day).

The DASH-Sodium study shows the importance of lowering sodium intake whatever your diet.
But for a true winning combination, follow the DASH eating plan and lower your intake of salt
and sodium.

Reduce Salt and Sodium in Your Diet

A key to healthy eating is choosing foods lower in salt and

sodium. Most Americans consume more salt than they
need. The current recommendation is to consume less than
2.4 grams (2,400 milligrams[mg] ) of sodium a day. That
equals 6 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of table salt a day. The
6 grams include ALL salt and sodium consumed,
including that used in cooking and at the table. For
someone with high blood pressure, the doctor may advise eating less salt
and sodium, as recent research has shown that people consuming diets
of 1,500 mg of sodium had even better blood pressure lowering benefits.
These lower-sodium diets also can keep blood pressure from rising and
help blood pressure medicines work better.

Tips for Reducing Sodium in Your Diet

Tips on Being a Smart Shopper
Tips on How to Prepare Lower Salt Meals
Read the Food Label
What to Look for on Food Labels
Quick Facts on Salt
Test Your Salt and Sodium IQ
Quiz on Finding Sodium in Your Diet
Flavor That Food
 Spice Up Your Life! Eat Less Salt and Sodium

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight increases your risk of developing high blood
pressure. In fact, blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing
even 10 pounds can lower blood pressure — and it has the greatest
effect for those who are overweight and already have hypertension.

Being overweight or obese are also risk factors for heart disease. They
increase your chance for developing high blood cholesterol and
diabetes — two more major risk factors for heart disease.

Am I Overweight?
Should I Lose Weight?
How Can I Lose Weight?
Test Your Healthy Weight IQ
Tips for Dining Out
Ethnic Food Choice
Healthy Shopping
Low Calorie Alternatives
Guide to Behavior Change
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on
height and weight that applies to both adult men and
women.

 Enter your weight and height using Standard or

Metric measures.
 Click on "Compute BMI" and your BMI will
appear in the heart of the figure.

BMI Categories:

 Underweight = <18.5
 Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
 Overweight = 25-29.9
 Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
Your
Heigh
The BMI Tables

Aim for a Healthy Weight:

 Assessing Your Risk

 Limitations of the BMI
 Controlling Your Weight   (feet) (inches)
 Recipes
Your Weight:  
Note: If this does not work with your browser or for a text alternative
  (pounds)
to this page, go to our CGI based BMI Calculator

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