What you should know about Blood Pressure

About High Blood Pressure

Your heart beats about 100,000 times each day, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood through your blood vessels. The force of blood against the inside walls of your vessels, plus your vessels' resistance to blood flow, create blood pressure.

Keeping your blood pressure from getting too high is important. Medical guidelines state that a normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Drug treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, drug treatment is recommended for a blood pressure level of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.1

The range between these numbers the BP Success Zone (less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below). When your blood pressure is in the BP Success Zone, your blood can move more easily through your body. This may help you avoid damage to your blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. It may also reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems.**

Why treatment is so important

More than 65 million Americans have high blood pressure, but over 20 million of them don't know it. While you may not feel any symptoms, unmanaged high blood pressure may put you at risk for serious medical conditions.

According to the most recent blood pressure guidelines for individuals aged 40 to 70 years, each 20/10 mm Hg increase in blood pressure doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, beginning at a blood pressure of 115/75 mm Hg.**

Getting your blood pressure into the BP Success Zone can help reduce your risk for these serious health conditions.

Note: blood pressure that is too low can also be dangerous.

Almost 50% of people on blood pressure medication still have numbers that aren't low enough. That's why it's important to work with your healthcare professional to set a blood pressure goal within the BP Success Zone and get the right treatment.

Ask your doctor what your blood pressure goal should be

Getting your numbers into the BP Success Zone means having blood pressure that is less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below. Ask your doctor to find out what your BP goal should be.

You may find it helpful to buy a home blood pressure monitor. It's an easy way to keep track of your blood pressure and see the progress you're making towards your BP goal. It can also help you learn if your treatment is helping or if you and your doctor need to change your treatment.

What is Normal Blood pressure?

Medical guidelines state that a normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Drug treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, drug treatment is recommended for a blood pressure level of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.1

Lowering your blood pressure to less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below may help prevent other serious health problems.**

The BP Success Zone is less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below.