What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. Readings of 130/80 or higher are considered hypertension.
Why it matters
Untreated hypertension can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. It is a leading risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure — yet most people feel no symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer.
How to monitor at home
Use a validated upper-arm cuff. Sit quietly for 5 minutes, feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level. Take two readings one minute apart, morning and evening, for one week. Bring the log to your doctor.
Lifestyle changes that help
Reduce salt to under 5 g per day, follow a DASH-style diet rich in fruits/vegetables, exercise 30 minutes most days, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight and stop smoking. These steps can lower systolic BP by 5–20 mm Hg.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if home readings are consistently above 135/85, or immediately for any reading above 180/120 with chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes or severe headache.