High Blood Pressure Definition & Overview

Definition

High blood pressure is abnormally high blood pressure with no known cause. Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers:

Systolic pressure: higher number, normal reading is 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less
Diastolic pressure: lower number, normal reading is 80 mmHg or less

High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg. You are considered prehypertensive if your systolic blood pressure is between 120-139 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80- 89 mmHg. Your doctor will recommend monitoring and lifestyle changes.

High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this condition can damage these organs and tissues.

Organs Impacted by High Blood Pressure

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

New Hypertension Guidelines
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for New Hypertension Guidelines.

New Hypertension Guidelines by ]]>Mary Calvagna, MS]]>
Home Blood Pressure Testing: More Accurate Than In-Office Testing
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Home Blood Pressure Testing: More Accurate Than In-Office Testing.

Home Blood Pressure Testing: More Accurate Than In-Office Testing by
Study Finds Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home May Improve Control
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Study Finds Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home May Improve Control.

Study Finds Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home May Improve Control by
People With High Blood Pressure Often Have High Cholesterol, Too
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for People With High Blood Pressure Often Have High Cholesterol, Too.

People With High Blood Pressure Often Have High Cholesterol, Too by
Prehypertension Leads to Increased Hospitalization and Early Death
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Prehypertension Leads to Increased Hospitalization and Early Death.

Prehypertension Leads to Increased Hospitalization and Early Death by

Controlling High Blood Pressure and Its Risks for Both Black and Non-Black Patients
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Controlling High Blood Pressure and Its Risks for Both Black and Non-Black Patients.

Controlling High Blood Pressure and Its Risks for Both Black and Non-Black Patients by
Blood Pressure Control Lacking in People Over 80
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Blood Pressure Control Lacking in People Over 80.

Blood Pressure Control Lacking in People Over 80 by Krisha
Renovascular Hypertension
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Renovascular Hypertension.

Renovascular Hypertension by Alia Bucciarelli, MS