Why does it matter? Because high blood pressure can kill or injure. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, blindness and other medical problems.

It's no mystery...

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats and rests. Taking blood pressure is simple and quick. The cuff placed around your arm records two measurements, such as 117/74 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Systolic pressure, the top number, is the higher pressure. It’s measured when your heart beats (contracts) and forces blood out to the body. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number. It's the minimum pressure. It occurs when the heart relaxes between beats.

Blood pressure often rises when you're nervous or excited, but it returns to normal almost immediately when the stimulation is over. Blood pressure that stays high is abnormal. Because blood pressure can vary over time, doctors usually take a series of readings before starting treatment.

What your blood pressure level means...

Learn your blood pressure numbers. A reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.

If you have a reading of 120–139/80–89 mm Hg, a doctor will begin non-drug treatment (lifestyle modifications), such as asking you to cut down on your salt intake, lose weight and engage in regular physical activity. If you have a reading of 140/90 or higher, a doctor will probably begin drug therapy, in addition to lifestyle modifications. Remember, high blood pressure can be controlled, and continued treatment can help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

High blood pressure has no symptoms. Beginning at age 55, women have a much higher prevalence of HBP than men do.

If you're taking the Pill...

Medical researchers have found that taking birth control pills is linked with high blood pressure in some women. It’s more likely to occur if you're overweight, had high blood pressure during pregnancy, or have a predisposing condition, such as mild kidney disease or a family history of high blood pressure. The combination of birth control pills and cigarette smoking may be especially dangerous in some women. It’s smart to ask your doctor to measure your blood pressure before prescribing the Pill. Then have your blood pressure checked every six months or so.

If you're pregnant...

Physicians usually keep a close watch on blood pressure during pregnancy, because hypertension can develop rapidly in the last three months. If untreated, it's dangerous to mother and baby. This kind of hypertension usually disappears after delivery. If it doesn't, it should be controlled with careful, long-term treatment as with all other hypertension.

If you already have high blood pressure, pregnancy could make it more severe. Careful treatment helps ensure a normal pregnancy and a normal baby.

If you're overweight...

Being overweight or gaining a lot of weight increases your chance of developing high blood pressure. This is one reason why it's important to maintain normal weight throughout your life.

After menopause...

As a woman grows older, her chance of having high blood pressure becomes greater than a man's. You may have had normal blood pressure most of your life, but after menopause your chance of getting high blood pressure increases considerably.

If you're African American...

Nobody knows why, but studies show that black women — even very young black women — are much more susceptible to high blood pressure than white women are. Not only is the disease more common among black women, but often it’s more serious.

If your family has a history of high blood pressure...

If your parents and other close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, there's a good chance that you have it or will develop it. And if you have it, it's quite possible that your children also may develop it. Like adults, children should have regular blood pressure checks.

The cure for high blood pressure...

There’s no cure, at least not yet. But high blood pressure is controllable. To control your blood pressure, you need to participate as part of a healthcare team. Your doctor, nurse and other team members can't do it alone — and neither can you. You all must work together.

You may be advised to lose weight, use less salt, be physically active and limit alcohol intake. You also may have to take medication every day, maybe for the rest of your life.

But think about what could happen with untreated high blood pressure. Don't take life-or-death chances with a disease you can control.

Pledge to control your risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases by controlling your blood pressure.

Track your blood pressure online with Heart360.

Download a printable blood pressure tracking chart.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 03/20/08.