Uncontrolled, elevated blood pressure and hypertension increase the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help prevent and control high blood pressure (hypertension). That's why it's important to regularly check and control your blood pressure.
But elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless it's properly managed. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.Įlevated blood pressure is considered a category, not an actual health condition like high blood pressure (hypertension). The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 to 89 mm Hg. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or lower.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Elevated blood pressure is blood pressure that is slightly higher than what is considered ideal.īlood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
