High Blood Pressure - The Facts

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What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Every 
time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. The pressure is determined by the 
force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries. 

Blood pressure measurements contain two numbers. The top number is called systolic 
blood pressure and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps blood 
(contracts). The lower number is called the diastolic pressure and measures the 
pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes. 
 

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or 
higher. 

Blood Pressure Category
Systolic (mm Hg)

Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal
120 or less
and
80 or less
Pre-hypertension
120-139
or
80-89
High - Stage 1
140-159
or
90-99
High - Stage 2
160 +
or
100+
American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels.

 
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, and is often referred to as the Silent 
Killer. The incidence of high blood pressure is more common in people over the age of 
35 years, and the risk increases with age. High blood pressure increases the stress on 
the heart and arteries which increases the risk of: 
 
•	Heart failure
•	Kidney failure
•	Heart attack
•	Stroke
•	Blindness
 

 
High blood pressure management

High blood pressure can be managed by a range of lifestyle modifications including:
 
•	Losing weight
•	Increasing physical activity
•	Reducing salt (sodium) in the diet
•	Decreasing saturated fats in the diet
•	Quitting smoking
•	Reducing or eliminating caffeine intake
 

 
A range of medications are also available to effectively treat high blood pressure. These 
medications include; diuretics, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor 
blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. The medications reduce blood 
pressure in different ways, yet they all aim to reduce the pressure and stress on the 
arteries.

Home blood pressure monitors are recommended to monitor blood pressure readings on 
a regular basis to gain an accurate picture of blood pressure levels and to monitor the 
success of a treatment regime. 

Patients can either record their readings on paper or a spreadsheet or use special 
software like www.my-blood-pressure.com which enables patients to print off a chart and 
email information to their Doctor. 
 
 
 
Sources and Further Reading

The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (NHBLI) at www.nhlbi.nih.gov
The American Heart Association (AHA) at www.americanheart.org
The National Heart Foundation Australia at www.heartfoundation.com.au