Written with men in mind. Most of this guide applies to everyone. Details specific to women — such as screening ages and risks that differ — are not covered yet; female health guides are being written.
What it is
Blood pressure is the push of blood against the walls of your arteries. It's written as two numbers: the top (systolic) when the heart beats, and the bottom (diastolic) between beats. When it stays too high, it strains the heart, blood vessels, brain and kidneys.[1]
High blood pressure is defined by consistent readings of 130 or higher systolic, or 80 or higher diastolic. Categories: normal (under 120 and under 80); elevated (120–129 and under 80); stage 1 (130–139 or 80–89); stage 2 (140 or higher, or 90 or higher).[1]
Sustained hypertension accelerates atherosclerosis and causes left ventricular hypertrophy, nephrosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease. Control helps prevent or delay chronic kidney disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and possibly vascular dementia.[1] Readings over 180 systolic or over 120 diastolic are a hypertensive crisis needing immediate contact with a provider.[1]
See the heart, aorta and kidneys — the organs high blood pressure strains.
See it in 3DHow common it is
What happens with age
Blood pressure checks are recommended from age 18: every year from 40, and every 3–5 years at 18–39 if your last reading was normal and you aren't at higher risk.[3]
Causes and risk factors
Things you can't change
- Age and family history.[4]
- Race and ethnicity: annual checks are advised at any age for Black adults, who are at higher risk.[3]
Things you can change
Symptoms worth reporting to a doctor
- Usually none. Symptoms don't usually appear until high blood pressure has already caused serious problems.[1]
That's why the only way to know is to measure it.
Get urgent care if…
Screening: who, when and how
USPSTF recommends screening for high blood pressure in all adults 18 and older (grade A), with readings confirmed outside the clinic — for example with home or ambulatory monitoring — before diagnosis.[3] NHLBI suggests checking at least once a year and monitoring at home if advised.[1]
How it's diagnosed
Types of treatment
- Lifestyle. A heart-healthy eating pattern such as DASH, more activity and less sitting, weight loss if needed, quitting smoking, managing stress and good sleep.[1]
- Medicines. Several types of blood pressure medicine exist; many people need more than one.[1]
Which option fits depends on the details of each person’s situation. Your care team decides with you.
What you can do
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my blood pressure, and what should my target be?
- Should I monitor at home? How?
- Could any of my medicines be raising it?
- Do I need medicine, and what side effects should I watch for?
Myth vs. fact
Guided lesson
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Start chapter 1 freeRelated topics
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Heart disease and heart attack
The leading cause of death for men in the US. Most of it comes from narrowed coronary arteries — and much of it can be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Blood sugar that stays too high. Millions have it without knowing — and prediabetes can often be stopped from progressing.
Sources
- NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High Blood Pressure. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High Blood Pressure Facts. Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Hypertension in Adults: Screening (April 2021). Checked 23 October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Risk Factors. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Top 10 Things to Know. Checked 23 October 2026.
The owner of this website is not a doctor. Human Atlas provides educational anatomy information and does not diagnose, stage, or treat disease. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything concerning your own health.