Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. Arteries move blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A healthy blood pressure is important to your overall health. And high blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to some serious conditions.
The good news? You can take steps now to lower your blood pressure.
Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury. It’s tracked as two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood. This is the number written on the top of the reading. The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure in your arteries between beats. That is when blood fills your heart.
Knowing both numbers is key. That’s because high blood pressure can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.* What is high blood pressure? The American College of Cardiology says it's any reading higher than 140/90.
The exact causes vary, and several factors play a part. Genetics can change how likely you are to develop high blood pressure. You’re more likely to get it if you have a family history. But it’s not just genetics alone. Lifestyle choices also impact your risk.
Your doctor may give you blood pressure medicine, but there are also ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. Most involve lifestyle changes that help heart health.
What you eat or drink can raise your blood pressure. One of the main culprits is too much salt. Sodium (salt) makes your body hold on to fluid. This increases the blood’s fluid volume and can raise your blood pressure.
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea and energy drinks. It can also spike your blood pressure for a short time. Drinking products with caffeine may not affect most people much. But some people are extra sensitive to it.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure over time. It can also lead to weight gain which can put a strain on our hearts. The American Heart Association recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women for those who choose to drink.*
Regular blood pressure checks are important. We’re here to help.
Tips to get an accurate blood pressure reading (PDF)
Talk with your doctor if your blood pressure readings are frequently higher than 130/80. This can mean an elevated blood pressure.
If you have heart disease risk factors, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often. Some risk factors are high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
If you take medicine for high blood pressure, it's important to take your medicine every day. Check your blood pressure frequently. Your doctor will tell you what your goal blood pressure should be. If your numbers are high, see your doctor. You may need to change your dosage or try a different medicine.
High blood pressure usually doesn’t have symptoms. Sometimes, if your blood pressure is very high, you might have headaches, vision changes, stroke-like symptoms, chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away or call 911. These could be signs of serious health problems.
You should talk to your doctor to better understand your blood pressure numbers. Look at your risk factors and plan to lower and control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious condition, but you can control it with the right medical care and lifestyle changes.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). About the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP). September 2024. Accessed February 7, 2025.
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American Heart Association: Limiting Alcohol to Manage High Blood Pressure. May 7, 2024. Accessed September 5, 2024.
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