High blood pressure

What the numbers tell you

When your doctor tells you what your blood pressure is, they will give you two numbers. For example, your doctor may say that your blood pressure is 120 over 80. This would be written as 120/80.

The first or top number is called the systolic pressure. It measures the pressure of the blood when your heart pumps blood out.
The second or bottom number is called the diastolic pressure.This is the pressure measured when your heart relaxes and fills up with blood.

Depending on what your numbers are, your doctor may say your blood pressure is fine, give you lifestyle advice (on diet, exercise or stopping smoking) or treat you with drugs to lower your blood pressure. Here is a guide to what your doctor may do:

Source:
Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al.
Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure.
Hypertension. 2003; 42: 1206-1252.

Blood pressure between 120 and 139 (systolic) or 80 and 89 (diastolic). This is called prehypertension. Your doctor will probably check your blood pressure more often and give you some advice on how to reduce your blood pressure by changing what you eat or do.
Blood pressure between 140 and 159 (systolic) or 90 and 99 (diastolic). Your doctor will probably check your blood pressure more often. You'll be given some advice on how to reduce your blood pressure by changing what you eat and do. Your doctor will put you on treatment if your blood pressure stays at this level. If you have

diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes too much sugar to circulate in your blood. It happens when your body stops making a hormone called insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when insulin stops working (type 2 diabetes).

diabetes or other risk factors for

heart disease
You get heart disease when your heart isn't able to pump blood as well as it should. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

heart disease (such as

angina
Angina is the name that doctors use for a pain in your chest that you get when your heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen.

angina,

high cholesterol
If you've been told that you have high cholesterol it usually means that your total cholesterol level is 240mg/dL or higher. But doctors also look at the amount of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol you have in your blood. Having high levels of bad cholesterol can make it more likely that you'll get certain diseases in your heart and arteries.

high cholesterol or you've had a heart attack) you will probably be treated with drugs.
Blood pressure of 160 or higher (systolic) or 100 or higher (diastolic). Your doctor will probably repeat your blood pressure reading and give you some advice on how to reduce your blood pressure by changing what you eat or do. They will probably also prescribe one or more drugs for you to treat your high blood pressure.

When you are treated for high blood pressure your doctor will try to reduce your blood pressure to 140 over 85 (140/85) or less. If you have diabetes or problems with your kidneys or have had a heart attack or

stroke
You have a stroke when the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off. This damages your brain and can cause symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of your body. You may also find it hard to speak if you've had a stroke.

stroke, your doctor will aim to bring your blood pressure down slightly further, to 130 over 80 (130/80) or less.

Sources for the information on this page:

Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al.Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure.Hypertension. 2003; 42: 1206-1252.

This information was last updated on Jul 25, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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