How to Manage High 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. 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.
Know your numbers.
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 health care professional monitor how treatments are working. Print a printable blood pressure log (PDF).
| 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 the reading is in.
Systolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure
Normal Blood Pressure
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Elevated Blood Pressure
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This blood pressure reading is in the elevated range. Unless steps are taken to control it, elevated blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure.
It’s important to recheck your blood pressure with your health care team. They can confirm if this reading is within your target blood pressure range and discuss any steps you might need to take to keep it in a healthy 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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This blood pressure reading is in the hypertensive crisis range.
- 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.
Make changes that matter:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Limit 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 health care professional
Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment.
It’s important to work with your health care professional to manage your blood pressure. You’re a part of your health care team. You and your health care 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 heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.
