
High blood pressure (hypertension) - Mayo Clinic
Feb 29, 2024 · High blood pressure is a common condition that affects the body's arteries. It's also called hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
High blood pressure (hypertension) - Mayo Clinic
Feb 29, 2024 · High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed if the blood pressure reading is equal to or greater than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually based on the average of two or more readings taken on separate occasions. Blood pressure is grouped according to how high it is. This is called staging.
10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication
Jul 23, 2024 · Weight loss is one of the best ways to control blood pressure. If you're overweight or have obesity, losing even a small amount of weight can help lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, blood pressure might go down by about 1 mm Hg with each kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of weight lost.
Blood pressure chart: What your reading means - Mayo Clinic
Feb 28, 2024 · High blood pressure is called hypertension. This blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level. It also can help you understand if you need to take some steps to improve your numbers. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading has two numbers.
High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body
Nov 28, 2023 · High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms appear. Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to disability, a poor quality of life, or even a deadly heart attack or stroke. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Blood pressure test - Mayo Clinic
Jul 3, 2024 · Blood pressure can vary from moment to moment and day to day. Results. Your healthcare professional can tell you your blood pressure results right away after the test. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.
Exercise: A drug-free approach to lowering high blood pressure
Dec 14, 2024 · High blood pressure is called hypertension. The risk of hypertension goes up as you get older. But getting some exercise may lower the risk. If your blood pressure is already high, exercise can help you control it. You don't need to immediately run a marathon or join a gym. Instead, start slow. Work more physical activity into your daily routine.
Choosing blood pressure medications - Mayo Clinic
Feb 21, 2025 · Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to treat high blood pressure. If not, your health care team may recommend blood pressure medicine. The type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure depends on your overall health and how high your blood pressure is. Two or more blood pressure medicines often work better than one.
High blood pressure and pregnancy: Know the facts - Mayo Clinic
Jul 23, 2022 · Elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control it. Stage 1 …
Medications and supplements that can raise your blood pressure
Feb 21, 2025 · Some medicines, supplements and other substances affect blood pressure. Some raise your blood pressure. Others make medicines you take to lower your blood pressure less effective. Some medicines that affect blood pressure are prescribed by your health care provider. Others are available without a ...