Living With High Blood Pressure

Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure — also known as hypertension. Only about one in four adults with high blood pressure have it under control. Are you one of them?

Learning to manage your blood pressure can be lifesaving — literally. In 2024, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of death for almost 700,000 Americans. The condition increases the risk for  heart attack and stroke, the nation's leading causes of death.

Often called a silent killer, high blood pressure doesn’t usually have any symptoms. That's why keeping an eye on your levels is so important. The best way to monitor blood pressure is to have it checked regularly and know what your numbers mean.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure measures how hard blood pushes against the body’s artery walls. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. This pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. 

Two aspects of blood pressure are measured: systolic and diastolic. Here is a breakdown of the pressure levels:

Normal: systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.

Elevated: systolic 120 -129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.

Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130 -139 mmHg or diastolic 80 - 89 mmHg.

Stage 2 hypertension: systolic 140+ mmHg or diastolic 90+mmHg

High blood pressure is diagnosed when your levels consistently stay at a measure of 130 mmHg over 80 mmHg.

Factors that can add to your risk

Certain lifestyle choices and behaviors affect blood pressure and can raise it to dangerous levels, including:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Eating too much salt in the diet
• Drinking too much alcohol (more than one to two drinks per day)
• Diabetes

Take steps to help control high blood pressure

• Get regular checkups so you and your doctor know your blood pressure levels.
• Talk to your doctor about your personal blood pressure goal.
• Check your blood pressure regularly.
• Take any medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you have uncomfortable side effects, don’t stop taking your medicine. Ask your doctor for another option that is right for you.

There are many types of blood pressure medicine. Sometimes it takes trying more than one to find the one for your body type and needs. The important thing is to keep working with your doctor to keep your blood pressure levels in check.

Living with high blood pressure is a work in progress

While there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help you get control of your blood pressure, keep in mind change takes time. A good mindset for success is to remember that each step toward your goal is progress. Your blood pressure will naturally fluctuate. You will have better pressure levels on some days than others. Don’t let these changes keep you from sticking to your plan for improved health. Here are some things you can do:

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt (sodium), fat and cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, talk with your doctor about a weight-loss plan.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Make physical activity a daily part of your life.
• If you smoke, work with your doctor on ways to help you quit.
• Fend off stress. Walk, meditate, try yoga or write in your journal.

Lowering your blood pressure happens with daily effort. You can get to your goal levels. It just takes time and some change in your habits. A key is not to get stressed or overwhelmed by the changes you’re making. Stress can cause spikes in your blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. To maintain your progress, remember to keep calm and carry on.

Use these resources to learn more about ways to monitor and mange your blood pressure:

• Measure Your Blood Pressure 
• Going to the Doctor 
• Living with a Health Condition 

Sources: About High Blood Pressure,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; High Blood Pressure Facts,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; High Blood Pressure Risk Factors,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure,  American Heart Association, 2025; Stress and High Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection?,  Mayo Clinic, 2024