Getting your blood pressure checked is important because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Stay informed through recent studies from organizations such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Your doctor can measure your blood pressure, or you can use a machine available at many pharmacies. You can also use a home monitoring device to measure your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in your vessels when your heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure Levels
- Normal Systolic: less than 120 mmHg
- Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg
- At risk (prehypertension) Systolic: 120–139 mmHg
- Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg
- High Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher
- Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher
If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications in addition to lifestyle changes.
All drugs may have side effects, so talk with your doctor on a regular basis. As your blood pressure improves, your doctor will want to monitor it often.
Lifestyle changes are just as important as taking medications.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention