High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no symptoms but raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. The basic numbers matter: normal is under 120/80 mmHg, elevated is 120–129/<80, stage 1 is 130–139/80–89, and stage 2 is 140/90 or higher. If you already have a diagnosis, tracking trends matters more than a single reading.
Want readings you can trust? Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring. Use a validated automatic cuff and place it on a bare arm at heart level. Rest your back and feet — don’t cross your legs. Take two readings one minute apart and record both. Do this morning and evening for a week to spot patterns. Bring your log to your doctor — it helps guide treatment.
If a reading hits 180/120 or higher and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or confusion, get emergency care. For occasional high numbers without symptoms, retry after 10 minutes and contact your clinician for next steps.
Small changes add up fast. Start with salt: aim for under 2,300 mg of sodium per day — 1,500 mg if you can. Cut processed foods and use herbs or lemon for flavor. Move more: 30 minutes of moderate activity most days (walking, biking, swimming) helps. Lose even 5% of body weight if needed; that often lowers pressure noticeably.
Watch alcohol — keep it to one drink a day for women and two for men. Swap sugary snacks for fruits, pick whole grains and lean proteins, and try the DASH diet pattern (vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy). Manage stress with short practices you’ll do regularly: brisk walks, breathing exercises, or a 10-minute stretch break work better than complicated routines you won’t keep.
Medications are common and effective when lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Main drug classes include thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Nebivolol is a newer beta-blocker some people tolerate better — it can be a good option if your doctor recommends it. If you’re curious about specific drugs, check our detailed article on nebivolol to see how it compares with older beta-blockers.
Follow your prescription schedule, report side effects, and don’t stop meds suddenly. If you miss a dose, follow your prescriber’s instructions — usually take it when you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose.
Tracking food, activity, and readings for a few weeks gives a clear picture of what works. Share that info with your clinician to tailor treatment. Want to explore specific medications or tips for monitoring? Our site has guides and reviews to help you find reliable info and next steps for managing blood pressure confidently.
Expectant mothers need to be cautious about medications during pregnancy, and Olmesartan is one to watch closely. This article dives into what Olmesartan is, why it's usually avoided during pregnancy, and shares important tips on managing blood pressure safely. We explore alternatives and offer guidance for a healthy pregnancy journey. Your health and your baby's development are the top priorities.
Read More
