High Blood Pressure

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms. Many people do not even know they have high blood pressure.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to measure your blood pressure regularly.

What are the risks of high blood pressure?

The higher your blood pressure levels, the greater your risk of developing other health conditions, including:

• Heart disease

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Brain problems (like dementia later in life)

• Kidney disease

• Erectile dysfunction

• Vision or eye problems

Learn more about information about risks

What do the blood pressure numbers mean?

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number), for example120/80 mmHg:

• Systolic pressure occurs when your heart contracts.
• Diastolic pressure occurs when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.

What is normal blood pressure?

For optimal health we recommend a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 or if you are a diabetic, have heart disease or kidney disease we recommend you talk to your primary health care provider about your blood pressure. 

Learn more information about blood pressure targets and view a short video.

What can I do?

Check your blood pressure regularly and make lifestyle changes to help improve your health. Here are some lifestyle changes you can do to prevent high blood pressure:

• Be physically active: about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week

• Do not smoke

• Eat a healthy diet and reduce your salt intake

• Limit alcohol use

• Keep a healthy weight

• Get enough sleep

• Manage stress

• Prevent or manage diabetes

Learn more about each lifestyle change

In addition to making positive lifestyle changes, some people with high blood pressure need to take medicine to manage their blood pressure.

If you think you may have high blood pressure or have not checked your blood pressure in a long time, book an appointment with your primary care provider. 

You can also check your blood pressure at a pharmacy. Or you can also purchase a home blood pressure monitor. List of approved blood pressure monitor devices.


Updated July 3, 2026