Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it through the body. High blood pressure — also known as hypertension — is a condition where blood flows through the arteries at a pressure higher than normal.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first (or top) number is called systolic pressure, which represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. This is the higher of the two values. The second (or bottom) number is called diastolic pressure, which reflects the force of blood in the arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. This is the lower of the two values.

A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg or lower. If your blood pressure is between 130–139 mmHg systolic or 80–89 mmHg diastolic, it is considered elevated (Stage 1 hypertension). Stage 2 hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure reaches 140/90 mmHg or higher.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). People with high blood pressure may not feel any symptoms. The only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic blood pressure readings are ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic readings are ≥90 mmHg on two separate days.

Factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure include:

  • Older age
  • Family history (genetics)
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Lack of physical activity
  • A diet high in salt
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

 

Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking and tobacco products, and becoming more physically active can help lower blood pressure. However, some people may still need medication.

What Should Your Blood Pressure Be?

Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.

When Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?

A normal reading is 120/80 mmHg or lower. Blood pressure readings between 130–139 mmHg systolic and/or 80–89 mmHg diastolic are considered high and fall under Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is when the reading is 140/90 mmHg or higher.

If your blood pressure repeatedly reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek immediate medical attention from the nearest healthcare facility.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive salt in the diet
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Aging
  • Family history of high blood pressure (heredity)
  • Chronic kidney disease

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Most people with hypertension do not experience any symptoms. Very high blood pressure may cause symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and others.
The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check it regularly. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

People with very high blood pressure (typically 180/120 mmHg or higher) may experience:

  • Severe headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion or altered consciousness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nosebleeds
  • Irregular heartbeat

What Are the Signs of a Sudden Spike in Blood Pressure?

  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or altered consciousness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unresponsiveness (not reacting to stimuli)
  • Seizures
  • Severe headache

How to Lower High Blood Pressure

  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
  • Take medications as prescribed

What to Do When Blood Pressure Rises

Practice meditation or focus on deep breathing. Meditation and breathing exercises can help you relax, which slows your heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Reduce your stress levels.
Take a warm bath or shower.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Blood Pressure

What Can High Blood Pressure Be a Warning Sign Of?

Hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney disease.

Does Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

Stress can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure. Once the stress passes, blood pressure usually returns to normal. However, these short-term spikes can still cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys over time, and may result in heart attacks or strokes.

Do Excitement and Anxiety Raise Blood Pressure?

Anxiety does not cause long-term high blood pressure. However, anxiety episodes can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. If these temporary spikes occur frequently — such as daily — they can damage the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, similar to the damage seen in chronic hypertension.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured?

If measured manually, a stethoscope is placed over the main artery (brachial artery) in your upper arm and elbow to listen to the blood flow and pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates.

When using an automatic device, the cuff inflates and deflates automatically and measures the pressure electronically.

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