Blood pressure is the force created when blood is pushing against the artery walls. It’s generated each time the heart beats (contracts and relaxes) as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. These two numbers are:
When blood pressure is high, the arteries have an increased resistance against the flow of blood, causing the heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, directly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. When high blood pressure does not respond to at least three medications, it’s called resistant hypertension. The blood pressure chart below showcases the normal, acceptable blood pressure ranges for adults:
| 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 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 (high blood pressure) |
130-139 |
or |
80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 (high blood pressure) |
140 or higher |
or |
90 or higher |
| Hypertension Crisis | Higher than 180 | And/or | Higher than 120 |
For more information about blood pressure readings, visit the American Heart Association.
If you have a sudden onset of symptoms such as chest pain, chest pressure, chest tightness, or severe shortness of breath, you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.
Nearly one-third of all Americans have high blood pressure. Some risk factors and causes include:
Blood pressure can change throughout the day and with different activities, so it's important to check it regularly to detect high blood pressure. You are diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) if your systolic (top number) is 130 mm Hg or higher, or your diastolic (bottom number) is 80 mm Hg or higher, measured on two or more separate visits to your doctor.
To make this diagnosis, your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitors are commonly recommended, but you can also ask your doctor about a newer option called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). ABPM tracks your blood pressure over 24 hours for more accurate results, but it requires a doctor's prescription.
Additionally, there are free resources, like BayCare Wellness Stations, where you can check your blood pressure in the community.
Here are some tips for an accurate blood pressure reading:
While there is no cure for high blood pressure, lifestyle changes can help to improve blood pressure. It’s important to talk with your doctor about the lifestyle changes that may be best for you. Some recommended lifestyle changes include:
Also known as hypotension, low blood pressure can be dangerous since it causes a lack of blood flow to important organs like the brain and heart. Symptoms of low blood pressure can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (syncope), nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness. If you have any of these symptoms combined with cold, clammy, or bluish-looking skin, or rapid breathing or heartbeat, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
Low blood pressure can be caused by a variety of things including dehydration, blood loss, medications, anemia, heart attack or heart failure. If you suspect or find that you have low blood pressure, its important to talk to your doctor.
Dr. Dan Sodano explains the new high blood pressure guidelines, and offers his best advice on how to lower and maintain good blood pressure. Learn more about BayCare’s heart and vascular services.
Call us at (855) 233-0888 or fill out the form to request a referral to a cardiac specialist.
