High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure means the blood pushes too hard on the walls of your blood vessels. Most people with it feel fine, so many do not know they have it. The good news is that you and your care team can work together to manage it.

What it is

• Blood pressure is the push of blood against the walls of your arteries (the tubes that carry blood from your heart to your body).
• High blood pressure means this push stays too high over time.
• The medical name for it is hypertension.
• A reading has two numbers, like 120/80. You say it as "120 over 80."
• The top number is the push when your heart beats.
• The bottom number is the push when your heart rests between beats.
• Over time, high blood pressure can harm your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
• It raises the chance of a heart attack, a stroke, and heart failure.

Common symptoms

• Most people have no signs at all.
• You can feel fine and still have high blood pressure.
• The only way to know is to have it checked.
• That is why regular checks are so important.

How it's diagnosed

• A doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure with a cuff on your arm. It does not hurt.
• One high reading is not enough. Your doctor needs high readings at two or more visits.
• Your doctor may also look at readings you take at home.
• They may ask about what you eat, how active you are, your sleep, stress, and smoking.
• They may ask about your family's health, too.
• Some people need blood tests or other tests.
• The American Heart Association and the CDC use these general groups for adults:
• Normal: the top number is under 120 and the bottom number is under 80.
• Elevated: the top number is 120 to 129 and the bottom number is under 80.
• High: the top number is 130 or more, or the bottom number is 80 or more.
• Only your doctor can tell you if you have high blood pressure. Your doctor will tell you your own target.

Ways it is managed

Medicines

• Many people need medicine. Some people need two or more.
• Some medicines help your blood vessels relax.
• Water pills (diuretics) help your body get rid of extra salt and water.
• Take your medicine just the way your doctor says, even when you feel well.
• Do not stop a medicine on your own, even if your home numbers look good.
• Tell your doctor about any side effects. Your doctor may change your plan.

Food

• Eat less salt. Salt is also called sodium.
• Ask your care team about the DASH eating plan. It is a heart-healthy way to eat.
• Ask your doctor if it is OK for you to drink alcohol.

Activity and daily habits

• Move more and sit less. Even a short walk each day may help.
• Ask your doctor what kind of activity is safe for you.
• If you smoke, ask for help to quit.
• Find calm ways to handle stress.
• Try to get enough good sleep.
• Ask your doctor if losing some weight would help you.

Checking at home

• The American Heart Association says people with high blood pressure should check it at home.
• Use a monitor with a cuff that goes on your upper arm. Wrist and finger monitors are less exact.
• Make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm.
• Take your monitor to a visit. Your care team can check that it works and that you use it the right way.
• For 30 minutes before a check, do not smoke, exercise, or drink coffee.
• Use the bathroom first.
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Put the cuff on your bare arm, not over your sleeve.
• Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
• Do not talk while you check.
• Take two readings, one minute apart. Write them both down.
• Check at the same time each day. Ask how often you should check.
• Bring your notes or your monitor to every visit.

How home health can help

• Home health care brings care, like nursing and therapy, to you at home.
• It follows a care plan from your doctor.
• A nurse can come to your home to check on your health.
• The nurse gives the treatments your doctor ordered.
• The nurse teaches you and your family how to manage your care.
• Ask your doctor if home health care is right for you.

Call your doctor if you notice

• Your home readings are often higher than the range your doctor gave you.
• You get a reading over 180/120 and you feel OK. Wait one minute and check again. If it is still that high, call your doctor right away.
• You think a medicine is giving you side effects.
• Your monitor gives readings that seem wrong.

Call 911 if

• Your blood pressure is over 180/120 and you have any of these signs:
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Back pain.
• Numbness or weakness.
• A change in how well you see.
• Trouble speaking.
• Do not wait to see if your blood pressure goes down. Call 911.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What should my blood pressure be?
• How often should I check it at home?
• What kind of home monitor should I buy?
• What does each of my medicines do?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How much salt is OK for me?
• Is it OK for me to drink alcohol?
• What kind of activity is safe for me?
• When should I call you?

Related pages

• Skilled Nursing
• Disease Management
• Medication Reconciliation
• Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure)
• Medication Safety

Sources

1. American Heart Association. "Understanding Blood Pressure Readings." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)
2. American Heart Association. "Home Blood Pressure Monitoring." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "About High Blood Pressure." https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH. "High Blood Pressure Diagnosis." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/diagnosis (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)
5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH. "High Blood Pressure Treatment." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/treatment (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)
6. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. "High blood pressure - what to ask your doctor." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000226.htm (checked Oct 1, 2026, PT)

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026