Blood Pressure Screening Numbers
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries that is needed to move blood through your body. High blood pressure means your heart has to pump harder than it should to get blood to all parts of your body.
High blood pressure raises your chances for having a stroke, heart attack, or kidney problems, or becoming blind.
To maintain or lower your blood pressure:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Losing even 10 pounds can make a difference.
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Limit your salt intake.
- Cut back on alcohol: Men should consume no more than two drinks a day; women should have no more than one drink a day.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
- Quit smoking.
- Take blood pressure medication as recommended by your doctor.
- Get your blood pressure checked every year. If you have high blood pressure, get checked more often.
What your blood pressure numbers mean
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, for example, 120/80 mmHG (millimeters of mercury). The first number (120) is the systolic pressure of the blood when heart beats. The second number (80) is the diastolic pressure
| Level | Systolic Pressure (First Number) |
Diastolic Pressure (Second Number) |
Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 mmHg | Below 80 mmHg | Good for you! Maintain healthy eating and physical activity habits. |
| Prehypertension (At risk for developing high blood pressure) |
120-139 mmHg | 80-89 mmHg | Keep an eye on your blood pressure. Your are likely to develop high blood pressure in the future unless you make healthy lifestyle change, such as eating a heart healthy diet and exercising regularly. Visit the doctor if you have diabetes. |
| High blood pressure | 140 mmHg or greater | 90 mmHg or greater | See your doctor right away. |
Information Sources:
