Blood Pressure Chart

Do you have high blood pressure?

Know your numbers! Understanding your results

is key to controlling high blood pressure.

❔❓ What to do If you get a high blood pressure reading?

A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is slightly or moderately higher than normal, take your blood pressure a few more times and consult your health care professional to verify if there is a health concern or whether there may be any issues with your monitor.

❗ If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

❗ If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

Tips for proper readings:

☑ Be still. Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.

☑ Sit correctly. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how.

☑ Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. Take 2 or 3 readings and record the results.

☑ Don't take the measurement over clothes.

(BP) ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association