measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two
numbers—systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over diastolic
pressure (when the heart relaxes between beats). Both numbers are
important. (See box 1 on page 4.)
Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. But when it stays
elevated over time, then it's called high blood pressure. High blood
pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard, and
the high force of the blood flow can harm arteries and organs such
as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. High blood pressure often
has no warning signs or symptoms. Once it occurs, it usually lasts a
lifetime. If uncontrolled, it can lead to heart and kidney disease,
stroke, and blindness.
High blood pressure affects more than 65 million—or 1 in 3—
American adults. About 28 percent of American adults ages 18 and
older, or about 59 million people, have prehypertension, a condition
that also increases the chance of heart disease and stroke. High
blood pressure is especially common among African Americans,
who tend to develop it at an earlier age and more often than Whites.
It is also common among older Americans—individuals with normal
blood pressure at age 55 have a 90 percent lifetime risk for developing high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be controlled if you take these steps:
■ Maintain a healthy weight.
■ Be moderately physically active on most days of the week.
■ Follow a healthy eating plan, which includes foods lower in sodium.
■ If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
■ If you have high blood pressure and are prescribed medication,
take it as directed.
All steps but the last also help to prevent high blood pressure.
3
What Is High Blood Pressure?
What Is High
Blood Pressure?4
Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH
Blood Pressure
Levels for Adults
*
B O X 1
Normal
Prehypertension
Hypertension
Less than 120
120–139
140 or higher
Less than 80
80–89
90 or higher
and
or
or
Good for you!
Your blood pressure could be a
problem. Make
changes in what
you eat and drink,
be physically active,
and lose extra
weight. If you also
have diabetes, see
your doctor.
You have high
blood pressure.
Ask your doctor
or nurse how to
control it.
Systolic† Diastolic†
Category (mmHg)‡
(mmHg)‡ Result
* For adults ages 18 and older who are not on medicine for high blood pressure and
do not have a short-term serious illness. Source: The Seventh Report of the Joint
National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High
Blood Pressure; NIH Publication No. 03-5230, National High Blood Pressure
Education Program, May 2003.