Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure over
diastolic pressure. The systolic number measures pressure when the
heart beats, while the diastolic number measures pressure between
beats.

In current U.S. guidance, a reading that is consistently
130/80 mm Hg or higher is generally classified as
high blood pressure. One unusual reading does not always establish
a diagnosis. A healthcare professional may review several properly
taken readings before diagnosing hypertension.

High blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms. A person may
feel completely normal even when their blood pressure is elevated.
That is why regular blood pressure measurement is important.

Headaches, dizziness, nervousness, sweating, or facial flushing
should not be used to diagnose high blood pressure. Contact a
healthcare professional for proper testing if you are concerned
about your readings or symptoms.

High blood pressure can develop from a combination of genetics,
aging, diet, physical inactivity, body weight, tobacco use, alcohol
consumption, stress, poor sleep, certain health conditions, and
some medications.

A diet high in sodium and low in potassium may increase risk for
some people. Kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid
conditions, and other medical issues can also affect blood
pressure. A healthcare professional can help identify factors that
may apply to you.

Healthy blood pressure habits may include eating a balanced,
lower-sodium diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy
weight, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, avoiding tobacco,
and limiting alcohol.

These habits should complement—not replace—medical care. Some
people still need prescription medication even when they follow a
healthy lifestyle. Continue taking prescribed medicine unless your
healthcare professional directs you otherwise.

A heart-conscious eating pattern generally emphasizes vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, poultry, and
low-fat or fat-free dairy products. It also limits excess sodium,
highly processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fat.

The DASH eating plan is one well-studied approach. Foods containing
potassium may also support normal blood pressure, but people with
kidney disease or those taking certain medications should ask a
healthcare professional before deliberately increasing potassium.

Looking for practical meal ideas?

Explore the Eat to Heal Cookbook

for recipes and guidance designed to make wholesome eating easier.

The DASH eating plan recommends limiting sodium to no more than
2,300 milligrams per day. A lower target of
1,500 milligrams per day may provide additional
blood pressure benefits for some adults.

Your appropriate target may depend on your health, medications,
activity level, and professional medical advice. Much of the sodium
people consume comes from packaged foods, restaurant meals, sauces,
soups, deli meats, and snacks—not only from salt added at the
table.

Regular physical activity can help support healthier blood
pressure, heart health, body weight, sleep, and stress management.
Many adults are encouraged to work toward at least
150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and suitable strength training
can all contribute. Begin gradually, and speak with a healthcare
professional before starting a new exercise program if you have
uncontrolled blood pressure, heart disease, chest discomfort,
breathing problems, or other medical concerns.

How often you should check your blood pressure depends on your
readings and your healthcare professional’s instructions. When
establishing a baseline or evaluating a treatment plan, you may be
asked to take readings at consistent times and record the results.

For a more reliable reading, avoid caffeine, tobacco, and exercise
for about 30 minutes beforehand. Empty your bladder, sit quietly
for approximately five minutes, keep your feet flat and back
supported, place your arm at heart level, and use a properly fitted
upper-arm cuff.

No dietary supplement should be presented or used as a replacement
for prescribed blood pressure medication. Blood Stabilizer is
intended to complement a wellness routine, not diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent hypertension or any other disease.

Herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medicines,
affect blood pressure, or be unsuitable for certain health
conditions. Show the complete product label and ingredient list to
your doctor or pharmacist before use, especially if you take
blood-pressure medicine, diabetes medicine, blood thinners, or
diuretics.

A reading higher than 180/120 mm Hg requires prompt
attention. Wait at least one minute and take the reading again.

If the second reading remains that high, contact a healthcare
professional immediately for instructions. Call emergency services
right away if a very high reading occurs with chest pain,
shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, confusion, vision changes,
difficulty speaking, fainting, or another severe symptom.