Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers

Posted: Feb. 1, 2005

High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. About 1 in 4 American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects about 1 in 3 African Americans, 1 in 5 Hispanics and Native Americans, and 1 in 6 Asians/Pacific Islanders.

Among people with high blood pressure, 31 percent don't even know they have it.

What do blood pressure numbers indicate?
As blood is pumped from your heart through your body, the blood exerts force or pressure against the blood.

Blood pressure is often written as two numbers. The top (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating. The bottom (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

High blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.

Optimal blood pressure is a systolic blood pressure less than 120 and a diastolic blood pressure less than 80.

Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by your health provider.

High blood pressure is usually controllable with lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity or reducing dietary salt intake. Medications may also be needed.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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