High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is defined as:

• Systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher; or
• Taking medicine to lower blood pressure; or
• Being told twice by a doctor or other healthcare professional that you have hypertension.  

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. The longer it's left untreated, the more serious its complications can become. 

We have a complete suite of tools to help you learn and manage the risks to your health from high blood pressure. Just follow these simple steps:

1.  Get your blood pressure tested. It can be done in a doctor's or dentist's office, hospital clinic, school, nurse's office, company clinic or at a health fair. And ask your doctor to work with you on a home monitoring plan. 

2.  Learn your risk with our High Blood Pressure Risk Calculator. Enter your latest reading to learn your risk of dying from a heart attack, dying from a stroke, developing heart failure and developing kidney disease. You'll also learn how a few lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure and your health risks.  You can print your risk report to review and discuss with your healthcare professional.

3.  Learn what treatments can help you manage your blood pressure with the Heart Profilers.  Enter your blood pressure and other information from your doctor in this free, confidential online tool to get a personalized report of treatment options – with pros and cons – to discuss with your healthcare team.

4.  Monitor and keep track of your blood pressure to see your success.

• Ask your doctor to teach you to monitor your blood pressure at home or watch our quick “how to” video.

• Enter each reading in Heart360, our online cardiovascular wellness center – where you can also track the steps you're taking to manage your blood pressure (weight, physical activity, medications and more) to see the progress you're making toward your goals.

• Download our printable blood pressure tracker for an easy, portable record of your readings wherever you have them done.

5.  Stay on top of the latest information with our free High Blood Pressure e-newsletter. Every month, you'll get a new recipe along with recent news about blood pressure and other tips and tools to help you stay healthy. Sign up today.



This content is reviewed regularly. Last update 03/17/09.