Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels (arteries). Your blood vessels carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. High blood pressure is when there is too much pressure in your blood vessels. This can damage your blood vessels and cause health problems. If your blood pressure is regularly above normal, it may mean that you have high blood pressure.
Speak to your primary care provider if you have questions.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
There are often 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.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as:
Heart disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Brain problems (like dementia later in life)
Kidney disease
Erectile dysfunction
Eye problems
Click here for more information about risks.
What do the blood pressure numbers mean?
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic (the higher number) and diastolic (the lower number) (e.g., 120/80 mmHg):
What is normal blood pressure?
For ideal health we recommend a blood pressure of less than 120/80. 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.
Click here for 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
Don’t smoke
Eat a healthy diet and limit your salt
Limit alcohol use
Keep a healthy weight
Get enough sleep
Manage stress
Prevent or treat diabetes
Click here to 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. Click here for a list of approved devices.
