If your systolic blood pressure is higher than 180, and/or your diastolic blood pressure is higher than 120, get emergency care now. If your blood pressure is in the high blood pressure range (stages 1 & 2), see your health care provider soon. If your blood pressure is elevated, talk with your health care provider. National blood pressure guidelines were updated November 2017. How to Check your Blood Pressure Manual (PDF) Every five point decrease in blood pressure reduces your risk of heart attack by 21%. Small decreases in blood pressure can really help your heart. Still, high blood pressure can be prevented or managed to avoid these deadly complications. It is widespread, affecting at least a third of the adult population worldwide. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading contributor to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious and potentially deadly conditions.
