Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 with a diastolic pressure of less than 80.Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.It can be caused by not getting enough fluids, blood loss, some medical conditions, or medications, including those prescribed for high blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, you may feel lightheaded, weak, dizzy, or even faint. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is systolic blood pressure lower than 90 or diastolic blood pressure lower than 60.Blood pressure levels are classified based on those two numbers. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.Ī blood pressure reading is given as the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood. When a health care professional measures your blood pressure, they use a blood pressure cuff around your arm that gradually tightens. What is blood pressure?īlood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people. If high blood pressure isn't controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. Though it affects nearly half of all adults, many may not even be aware they have it. High blood pressure, sometimes called 'the silent killer,' often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. This can be true even for people who have heart-healthy habits and feel just fine. Arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. Your body’s network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. Tips for taking blood pressure medication.

How to lower blood pressure