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

  • What is high blood pressure?
  • How does someone develop high blood pressure?
  • What does my blood pressure mean?
  • Why should I care about high blood pressure?

Educational Video on Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pumped from the heart against the blood vessels. This force makes blood flow possible, delivering nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues throughout the body.

High blood pressure occurs when there is too much pressure in your blood vessels. This can damage your blood vessels and cause health problems. Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but it becomes more common as you get older.

High blood pressure is similar to pumping too much air into a tire or balloon

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:

  • Lifestyle factors
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Health conditions (if properly managed, can help lower blood pressure)
  •  Kidney disease

Causes you can’t control:

  • Age
  • Family history (genetics)

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

Blood Pressure Targets

Systolic Diastolic Description
Less than 140 mmHg Less than 90 mmHg This is the target blood pressure for most people (see below for exceptions).
Less than 130 mmHg Less than 90 mmHg Special target for those with diabetes.
Less than 120 mmHg — In some people who are at high risk for heart disease (those over age 75 years or with heart or kidney disease or multiple risk factors).

These targets should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

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:

  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Eye problems
  • Dementia
  • Kidney (renal) diseases
  •  Heart failure
  • Erectile dysfunction

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
Click here to go to our page with more educational resources you can download for free
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