Understanding the numbers
Blood pressure is written as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure reflects pressure when the heart pumps; diastolic pressure reflects pressure between beats. A diagnosis generally requires properly taken readings and clinical context—not one isolated number.
Educational blood pressure range tool
Measure more accurately
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff that fits.
- Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for about 30 minutes beforehand when feasible.
- Empty your bladder, sit quietly, support your back and arm, keep feet flat, and do not talk.
- Take more than one reading and record the date, time, and circumstances.
- Bring the monitor to an appointment to compare technique and accuracy.
Why control matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs over time and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, eye damage, and vascular dementia.
Lifestyle and treatment
Care may include a heart-healthy eating pattern, lower sodium intake when appropriate, regular physical activity, healthy weight management, adequate sleep, less alcohol, avoiding tobacco, stress support, and one or more medicines. The right plan depends on the person and their overall cardiovascular risk.