Blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. As blood pressure increases above a reading of 115/75, damage can occur to the arteries, heart, kidneys, and eyes. The higher the pressure, the higher the health risk. A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure and needs further evaluation by a doctor.
120 - Systolic
80 - Diastolic
Blood pressure readings show 2 numbers. The first (top) number is called systolic pressure. Systolic pressure reflects the highest pressure in the artery and coincides with the contraction phase of the heartbeat – when the heart is pushing more blood into the arteries thus raising the pressure.
The diastolic pressure is the second (bottom) number of a blood pressure reading. Diastolic pressure coincides with the heart’s resting phase between beats. This is the lowest the pressure gets in the arteries.
If either number gets too high, health risks increase. Studies show that the risk of a heart attack or stroke doubles for every 20-point increase in systolic pressure or for every 10-point increase in diastolic pressure above a healthy pressure of 115/75. About 1 out of every 3 adults has high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Standards
| Normal |
Less than 120/80 |
Low risk |
| Prehypertension |
120/80–139/89 |
Moderately increased risk |
| Hypertension |
140/90 or higher |
High risk |
High blood pressure (140/90 or higher) is very common in the United States. About 1 out of every 3 adults has high blood pressure (1 out of 2 for persons age 50 and older). A blood pressure of 130/80 or higher is considered high blood pressure for persons with diabetes or kidney disease.
How can you lower your blood pressure if it is too high?
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program by the National Institutes of Health recommends the following steps to lower blood pressure (or to keep it from becoming high):
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI < 25).
- Be physically active – aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.
- Follow a healthy eating plan (such as the DASH Diet) that is high in fruits and vegetables (8-9 servings daily), whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat dairy, and low in saturated fat, sweets, and added sugar.
- Limit salt (sodium) in the diet – limit to 2,300 mg/day of sodium (less than 1,500 mg/day for people over 50 and those with high blood pressure). Read food labels.
- Limit alcohol intake, if you drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase blood pressure.
- If after following the above recommendations your blood pressure has not dropped sufficiently, see your doctor and take blood pressure medication if prescribed.
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