Life’s Simple

HOW TO MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE

1 UNDERSTAND READINGS 3 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

The first step to managing blood pressure is to understand what the levels
mean and what is considered normal, elevated, high blood pressure EAT SMART
(hypertension) and hypertensive crisis. heart.org/BPlevels
Eat a healthy diet of vegetables,
Systolic fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes,
Blood pressure The top number, the higher of the nuts, plant-based proteins, lean
is typically two numbers, measures the pressure
animal proteins and fish. Limit
recorded as in the arteries when the heart beats
sodium, saturated fats and added
two numbers, (when the heart muscle contracts).
sugars. Limit sugary foods and
written as a
ratio like this:
Diastolic drinks, fatty or processed meats,
The bottom number, the lower of the salty foods, refined carbohydrates
two numbers, measures the pressure and highly processed foods.
in the arteries when the heart is heart.org/EatSmart
Read as “117 over 76 millimeters of mercury.”
resting between heart beats.

BLOOD PRESSURE SYSTOLIC mm Hg DIASTOLIC mm Hg

CATEGORY (top number) (bottom number) MOVE MORE
Normal Lower than 120 and Lower than 80 Physical activity helps control
blood pressure, weight and stress
Elevated Blood Pressure 120 –129 and 80 levels. heart.org/MoveMore

High Blood Pressure

130 –139 or 80 –89
(Hypertension) Stage 1
MANAGE WEIGHT
High Blood Pressure 90 or higher
140 or higher or
(Hypertension) Stage 2
If you're overweight, even a slight
Hypertensive Crisis weight loss can reduce high blood
Higher than 180 and/or Higher than 120
(Call your doctor immediately) pressure. heart.org/Weight

2 TRACK LEVELS DON'T SMOKE

Every time you smoke, vape or use
tobacco, the nicotine can cause a
Health care providers can take blood
temporary increase in blood
pressure readings and provide
pressure. heart.org/Tobacco
recommendations.
Check. Change. Control. helps you
track your progress in reducing blood
pressure. SLEEP WELL
Check. Change. Control. Track online at ccctracker.com/AHA
Short sleep (less than 6 hours) and
poor-quality sleep are associated
LEARN MORE AT HEART.ORG/MYLIFECHECK AND HEART.ORG/HBP with high blood pressure.
© Copyright 2019 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. Citations available upon request.5/19 DS14545