High blood pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of arteries (blood vessels). Blood pressure may fluctuate over the course of a day and from day to day.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure (the higher number) occurs when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) occurs when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. The standardized unit of measurement of blood pressure is millimeter of mercury (mmHg).

Your blood pressure goals should be discussed with a health professional. However, the target measurements for most people are less than 135 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and less than 85 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure.

When blood pressure is too high for a long time, it can then be referred to as hypertension or high blood pressure. It can be the result of causes that can be controlled, such as lifestyle factors, for example:

• a diet high in salt (sodium)
• excessive alcohol consumption
• a sedentary lifestyle
• body weight: regardless of your body weight, adopting a physically active lifestyle and a healthy diet will be beneficial for your health and well‑being
• smoking
• stress

Some known health issues may also be the cause of this cardiovascular disease:

• anxiety
• sleep apnea
• kidney disease
• hormonal disorders

If these problems are managed properly, they can help lower blood pressure.

In addition, causes that cannot be controlled may also be responsible for high blood pressure, for example:

• age: 55 years of age or older
• family history: hypertension or early‑onset cardiovascular disease in one or both parents
• ethnic origin: African or Indigenous origin

Generally, a person with high blood pressure will not have any symptoms. If blood pressure is high, they may experience:

• mild headaches
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• vision problems

If there are new symptoms or if these symptoms worsen, consult a health professional.

Untreated or poorly controlled hypertension can lead to other diseases, including:

• heart disease (for example, a heart attack)
• brain disease (for example, a stroke)
• kidney disease
• eye disease (for example, blurred vision or vision loss)

To find out more about prevention and screening for high blood pressure, go to the Prevention and screening for cardiovascular disease (Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) and high blood pressure) page. You can also contact a health professional.