High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults, with a significant portion uncontrolled. This elevates the risk of stroke and heart disease, the leading cause of death for women. Understanding blood pressure is key to managing this condition.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls. It fluctuates with activity and rest. Readings consist of two numbers: systolic (heart beating) and diastolic (heart resting).
Updated guidelines in 2025 define normal blood pressure as systolic under 120 and diastolic under 80. Elevated pressure is systolic 120-129 with diastolic under 80. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is consistently systolic at or above 130 or diastolic at or above 80. Readings above 180/120 require immediate medical attention.
Chronic high blood pressure strains the heart and arteries, reducing flexibility and impairing blood flow. This can lead to heart disease, angina, heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke by damaging arteries supplying the brain. It also significantly increases the risk of kidney disease by affecting the blood vessels in the kidneys.
Lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention and management. Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a heart-healthy diet with reduced salt, regular physical activity, stress management, sufficient sleep, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking are vital. If lifestyle adjustments are insufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, central alpha-2 receptor agonists, or vasodilators.
Regular blood pressure checks are essential. Consult your healthcare provider, local health department, or pharmacy for screenings. Knowing and managing your blood pressure is fundamental to maintaining cardiovascular health.