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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:¹

• 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 or other risk factors for heart disease (such as angina, 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, your doctor will aim to bring your blood pressure down slightly further, to 130 over 80 (130/80) or less.

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 2008. All rights reserved.