If your blood pressure is high, you need to lower it and keep it under control. Your blood pressure reading has 2 numbers. One or both of these numbers can be too high.
The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. This reading is too high if it is 140 or higher.
The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. It is too high if it is 90 or higher.
You are more likely to have high blood pressure as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death. If you have heart or kidney problems, diabetes, or if you had a stroke, your doctor may want your blood pressure to be even lower than people who do not have these conditions.
The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. This reading is too high if it is 140 or higher.
The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. It is too high if it is 90 or higher.
You are more likely to have high blood pressure as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death. If you have heart or kidney problems, diabetes, or if you had a stroke, your doctor may want your blood pressure to be even lower than people who do not have these conditions.
Medications for Blood Pressure
Many medicines can help you control your blood pressure. Your health care provider will prescribe the best medicine for you. Your health care provider will also monitor your medicines and make changes if you need them.Diet, Exercise, and Other Lifestyle Changes
In addition to taking medicine, you can do many things to help control your blood pressure.Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat. Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day. Limit how much alcohol you drink -- 1 drink a day for women, 2 a day for men.
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Include potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water. Stay at a healthy body weight. Find a weight-loss program to help you, if you need it.
Exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes a day of moderate aerobic exercise.
Reduce stress. Try to avoid things that cause you stress. You can also try meditation or yoga.
If you smoke, quit. Find a program that will help you stop.
Your doctor can help you find programs for losing weight, stopping smoking, and exercising. You can also get a referral from your doctor to a dietitian. The dietitian can help you plan a diet that is healthy for you.
Checking Your Blood Pressure
Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure at home. Make sure you get a good quality, well-fitting home device. It is best to have one with a cuff for your arm and a digital readout. Practice with your health care provider to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.It is normal for your blood pressure to be different at different times of the day.
It is usually higher when you are at work. It drops slightly when you are at home. It is usually lowest when you are sleeping.
It is normal for your blood pressure to increase suddenly when you wake up. In people with very high blood pressure, this is when they are most at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Follow-up
Your doctor will give you a physical exam and check your blood pressure often. With your doctor, establish a goal for your blood pressure.If you monitor your blood pressure at home, keep a written record. Bring the results to your clinic visit. Your doctor or nurse may ask you these questions. Having a written record will make them easy to answer:
- What was your most recent blood pressure reading?
- What was the blood pressure reading before that one?
- What is the average systolic (top) number and average diastolic (bottom) number?
- Has your blood pressure increased recently?
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your blood pressure goes well above your normal range.Also call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Chest pain
- Sweating, nausea, or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pain or tingling in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arms
- Numbness or weakness in your body
- Fainting
- Trouble seeing
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Other side effects that you think might be from your medicine or your blood pressure
Alternate Names
Controlling hypertensionReferences
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Victor RG. Arterial hypertension. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Saunders; 2011:chap 220.