I’m concerned I may have high blood pressure,
what do I need to know?

How does someone develop high blood pressure?

Some causes for high blood pressure can be managed, others are beyond your control. Talk to your doctor to learn more about what you can do.

Causes you can control:

What is my blood pressure number and what does it mean?

The first step in understanding high blood pressure is learning what your numbers mean. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic (the higher number) and diastolic (the lower number) (e.g., 120/80 mmHg):

• Systolic pressure occurs when your heart contracts.
• Diastolic pressure occurs when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.
• Blood pressure is measured using millimetres of mercury (mmHg), which is a standardized measurement of pressure.

The higher your systolic or diastolic blood pressure – and the longer it stays high – the greater the potential damage to your blood vessels

Why should I care about high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is not well controlled, it can pose serious health risks. High blood pressure increases your risk of:

High blood pressure is common, but most people don’t even know they have it! Take action today:

• Check your blood pressure at home with a blood pressure monitor or have your health care provider do it for you at your doctor’s office or pharmacy.
• Work with your doctor to develop a plan to control your blood pressure to help you stay healthy and decrease your risk of serious health problems. Click here to learn more about medications

How can I maintain a healthy blood pressure?

• Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, low-fat milk products, whole grains, lean meats, fish, legumes (dried beans) and nuts.
• Limit salt intake: A general rule of thumb: buy products that are labelled with ≤5% daily value of sodium.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Try to achieve a healthy weight, be active.
• Manage your stress levels: Find effective ways to cope with stress, don’t hesitate to get some help.
• Limit your alcohol consumption: 2 drinks per day or less is best.
• Refrain from smoking: It’s hard to quit smoking, seek help if needed.
• Take your blood pressure medication(s) if prescribed: Pills are a way to help your body fight high blood pressure.

What can I do to control my blood pressure?

Do I have high blood pressure?
If your numbers are above 130/80 mmHg at home, you have high blood pressure.

Should I measure my blood pressure at home?
It’s always helpful to know what your numbers are at home. Sometimes, blood pressures at home are different than the ones measured in clinic.

I’m going to my clinic today, can I help?
Make sure they measure your blood pressure correctly. Ask questions about your numbers and where they should be.

Do I need to take pills?
Healthy habits are sometimes not enough to get your numbers low enough, and your body may need help from pills. Lots of people need more than one kind of pill.

How low should my blood pressure be?
Most people should have their top number below 130 mmHg but ask your doctor or nurse if this is different for you.

Should I start treatment?
Yes, if you have high blood pressure, but it may only mean lifestyle changes and not necessarily starting pills right away.

Should I be concerned?
The higher your numbers are, the greater the risk and the more concerned you should be.