Understanding more about blood pressure is the first step to controlling it.
Learning the basics about blood pressure will help you have better conversations with your doctor and help you make smarter, healthier choices that put you in control. Just use the tool below for quick information.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is created by the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it circulates and the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.
Renin is an enzyme in the body that starts a process that makes blood vessels narrow, which may contribute to high blood pressure.
The kidneys regulate salt and water levels in the body. When salt and water levels increase around cells, the excess is drawn into our blood. Normally, the kidneys filter this salt and water from the blood, which are then excreted by the body as urine.
When kidneys don't work properly, fluid builds up around cells and in the blood. If there is more fluid in the blood, the heart, which pumps blood through the body, has to work harder. This can put more pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure.
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body and causes damage to the blood vessels.
What do your blood pressure numbers mean?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is stated in terms of "systolic" over "diastolic." If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg:
The top number of 140 (systolic) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when the heart beats.
The bottom number of 90 (diastolic) measures the pressure in your blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
What is your personal blood pressure goal?
Be sure to ask your healthcare professional to set a goal for you to work toward. While everyone's goal is different, medical guidelines state:
A normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg, and you are not currently taking blood pressure medication, you are considered prehypertensive. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthier diet and exercise,* are recommended.
Drug treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is consistently at or above 140/90 mm Hg.
*Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
