What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure means that the force of blood against the inside of your blood vessels is higher than it should be. This makes your heart work harder. And it may damage your blood vessels. High blood pressure means a level of 130/80 mm Hg or more.

Your health care provider will check your blood pressure each time you have an office visit. Having a high reading at one office visit doesn't mean that you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that your blood pressure is high over a period of time. That is why your provider checks it at each office visit. They can then look at the pattern of your blood pressure. Try to arrive early enough to your appointment so you can rest before your blood pressure is taken. Don't do any strenuous exercise, don't have caffeine, and don't smoke for at least 30 minutes before your pressure is measured. You can also check your own blood pressure at home. This helps to be sure it stays in good control.

Making lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure. These changes can include:

• Aiming for a weight that's healthy for you. Even a small amount of weight loss can lower your blood pressure. As you slowly lose weight, you may see your blood pressure slowly get lower.

• Quitting smoking. The nicotine in tobacco raises blood pressure. Smoking also raises the risk for other heart and blood vessel diseases, many cancers, and most lung conditions. The first step is to set a quit date. Talk with your health care provider about ways to quit smoking. There are programs and medicines that can help.

• Eating healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eat fat-free or low-fat dairy foods, and stay away from or limit alcohol.

• Eating less salt (sodium). Salt can raise blood pressure. Try salt-free seasoning or herbs and spices. Learn how to read nutrition labels so you can choose low-salt or no-salt breakfast cereals, snacks, deli meats, and canned foods.

• Getting regular physical activity. Being active can help lower blood pressure. Get at least 30 minutes of activity on most days. If you are not very active, talk with your provider before you get started. They can help you figure out what is best for you.

• Managing stress. Stress can raise blood pressure. Talk with your provider about lowering your stress level. They may advise relaxation methods, a counselor, a health coach, or a class.

• Getting enough good-quality sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a day. Talk with your health care provider about forming healthy sleep habits that work for you.

Taking medicine

Your health care provider may also prescribe medicine to help lower your blood pressure. The medicine will help reduce the strain on your heart and help to protect your blood vessels. If you lose weight, you may be able to take less medicine. Or you may no longer need to take it. But even if you lose weight and feel better, don't adjust your medicines or stop taking them unless you talk to your health care provider.