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What Is High Blood Pressure?

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Simple Answer

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. It is often called a “silent” problem because there are usually no warning signs. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, like 120/80. The first number is the pressure when your heart beats, and the second is the pressure when your heart rests.

What It Means

This matters because blood pressure that stays high over time can make the heart work harder. It can lead to serious problems like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Early checking and healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or treat it.

When to Contact a Doctor

Talk to your health care provider if you need a blood pressure check or if you have questions about your readings. A provider usually takes more than one reading at separate visits before making a diagnosis.

Get Urgent Help If…

Seek medical care right away if a blood pressure reading is higher than 180 systolic and higher than 120 diastolic. This is called a hypertensive crisis, or dangerously high blood pressure.

Blood pressure ranges can vary, and children and teens are compared with normal readings for others the same age, height, and sex.

Sources

This information is based on these free U.S. government medical sources:

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This service provides general medical information and education. It does not diagnose medical conditions or replace care from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.