A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is healthy, or if it’s high or low. Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people. High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it’s not treated. Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.

When and where to get your blood pressure tested You should have a blood pressure test if you’re worried about your blood pressure at any time. If you’re over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every 5 years. If you have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, or you have a high risk of developing either, you may need more frequent checks of your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including: most pharmacies

your local GP surgery

some workplaces Information: Get a free blood pressure check If you’re aged 40 and over, and are eligible, you may be able to get a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy. Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks

How blood pressure is tested Blood pressure machines vary, but they’re all a type of measuring device, which often have an arm cuff attached to it. The cuff is usually wrapped around your upper arm and filled with air until it feels tight. This can feel uncomfortable but it only lasts a few seconds. It’s important to relax and not talk during this time, because this is when your blood pressure is measured. If a healthcare professional is doing this for you, they may also use a stethoscope to record your blood pressure. An automatic device usually picks up the measurements from sensors in the arm cuff, which are sent to a digital display. You should get the results straight away.

How blood pressure is measured Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 numbers: systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pushes blood out around your body

diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats and blood is pushed around your heart The highest number is always the systolic pressure and it’s always given first. For example, a blood pressure given as “120 over 80” or 120/80mmHg means a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.

Understanding your blood pressure reading Your blood pressure reading can tell you how healthy your blood pressure is. Information: If you have a recent blood pressure reading use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You’ll also get information about what to do next. As a general guide: normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg (this applies if it’s measured at home or at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic)

high blood pressure is considered to be 135/85 or higher if your reading was taken at home, or 140/90mmHg or higher if your reading was taken at a pharmacy, GP surgery or clinic

low blood pressure is considered to be 89/59mmHg or lower If your reading is between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg, you may be at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. There are things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure.

Testing your blood pressure at home Your GP may suggest 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) if they think you may have high blood pressure (hypertension). ABPM tests your blood pressure regularly over 24 hours, by using a cuff attached to a portable device that’s worn on your waist. You can continue with your daily activities during this time. If you want to regularly check your blood pressure at home, you can buy a machine. Blood pressure devices for home use If you want to check your blood pressure regularly at home, you can buy a digital blood pressure machine. Choose a machine that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm, not your wrist or finger. Let your GP know you’re doing this. Information: Find out more: The British Heart Foundation: How to choose a blood pressure monitor and measure your blood pressure at home

Blood Pressure UK: How to measure your blood pressure at home

If you’ve heard that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, you’re ahead of the game—fewer women today know that than did a decade ago, data shows. Unfortunately, that knowledge gap prevents many women from taking the steps they need to live their best lives, says Sharonne N. Hayes, M.D., a cardiologist and the founder of the Women’s Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. “They may live with chronic chest pain or heart failure, or need lots of procedures and medications because of heart damage,” she says. And of course there’s the risk of death from a heart attack or a stroke.

But here’s the empowering part: There’s a lot you can do to keep your heart strong for the rest of your life. First, if you smoke, do everything you can to quit—it’s the most powerful way to prevent heart disease, says Dr. Hayes. Second, shift your eating to include more fruits, veggies, and lean protein and far less saturated fat and processed foods (check out the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet). Third, talk to your doctor about whether your weight puts you at risk, as carrying too much extra weight may increase your risk of heart problems. Beyond those basics, here are ways to get on top of your heart health today.

Know your numbers

Four measurements are especially critical to cardiovascular health. Understanding why they are important is just as significant as knowing the healthy range for each one. That’s because you can improve each factor by making lifestyle changes and possibly taking meds.

Cholesterol: When you have too much of the “bad” type of cholesterol (LDL), fatty deposits can collect in your blood vessels, eventually making it tough for blood to flow; the deposits can also break off and cause a stroke or a heart attack.

Ideal range for healthy people without atherosclerosis: Total cholesterol: under 200; LDL: under 100; HDL: 60 or higher; triglycerides: under 150

Lipoprotein(A): High lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), in your blood is an independent risk factor for heart disease that runs in families. “You ought to have at least one Lp(a) assessment as an adult,” Dr. Hayes says. If your levels are off, she adds, let your siblings and adult children know so they can get tested as well.

Ideal range: Less than 30 mg/dL (or <75 nmol/L)

Fasting blood sugar: Having high blood sugar levels (such as with diabetes) can eventually damage the blood vessels in your heart, which raises your risk of cardiovascular disease. It also ups the chance that you’ll develop problems with both cholesterol and blood pressure— a triple whammy of risk.

Ideal range: 100 mg/dL. If you have diabetes, aim for an A1C level of less than 7%.

Blood pressure: If the force with which blood flows through blood vessels is chronically high, this can eventually damage those vessels and lead to a number of serious cardiovascular issues.

Ideal range: Less than 120/80 mm Hg

Sleep tight

Your heart’s health depends on your sleep habits to a surprising degree, says Dr. Hayes. Research shows that poor sleep can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes— all major risk factors for heart disease. The ideal amount for adults is seven to nine hours per night.

It’s wise to turn in early too. A large study of people ages 43 to 74 found that those who fell asleep between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. had the lowest risk of heart disease. People who went to sleep between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. saw their risk rise by 12%, and those who hit the sheets after midnight had a 25% greater risk.

Offload any stressors you can

Stress is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure and promotes inflammation; all those can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. “If there’s something in your life that you can get rid of or minimize to lower your stress levels, do so,” says Dr. Hayes.

That said, some stress is inevitable, so it’s also important to tame your body’s response to stress, Dr. Hayes says. Learning the first signs of stress can help you defang it: Maybe you clench your teeth or take shallower breaths; when you notice that happening, ask yourself why you’re tense in that moment and try to relax and breathe slowly and deeply.

Consider your health history and life stage

Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, radiation treatment for breast cancer, and depression all up the risk of heart disease. Menopause raises the risk too, because the production of estrogen (a heart protector) declines.

You may be surprised to discover that pregnancy complications—even if you had them decades ago—also boost your chances of developing heart problems later in life. These include hypertension or diabetes during pregnancy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, delivering a baby that’s small for its gestational age, and preterm delivery. “Be sure to let your doctor know if you’ve experienced any of these,” says Dr. Hayes.

Move more

Exercise is powerful medicine for your heart: It lowers blood pressure, raises the good kind of cholesterol (HDL), slows your heart rate over time, and does lots of other beneficial things. Guidelines call for 150 to 300 minutes of moderately intense exercise (running, cycling, power walking) per week.

In this case, more is more. “If you can throw in two or three bouts of high-intensity training a week, it’s even better for cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Hayes. Add a couple of sessions a week of strength work, like resistance or weight training, suggests the American Heart Association. If you’ve been sedentary, start small and build from there. “Any kind of movement is better than no exercise at all,” Dr. Hayes says.

Shefali Jariwala, actor and model, died on June 27, 2025, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 42. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai, but was declared dead on arrival. Shefali Jariwala was known for her appearance in Bigg Boss 13 and her 2002 music video, Kaanta Laga. Also read | Cardiologist shares 5 common drugs that could silently harm your heart over time: ‘Know what you’re taking’ Shefali Jariwala death: The actor and model died in Mumbai on June 27. (Instagram/ Shefali Jariwala)

Heart disease in women: A look at the numbers

Did you know cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, accounting for approximately one of every three female deaths in the US alone, as per a 2017 study published in PubMed Central? Moreover, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in India.

“Both globally and in India, women’s cardiac problems are on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular diseases, which account for 17.3 million deaths annually, are the leading cause of death among women globally,” Dr Rudradev Pandey, additional director, intervention cardiology, CK Birla Hospital/RBH, Jaipur said in a 2023 interview with HT Lifestyle.

He added, “Unfortunately, CVDs are now one of the leading causes of death in women, with diseases like heart attacks and cardiac arrests killing 10 times more women than breast cancer. According to 2020 research analysing the National Family Health Survey, 18.69 percent of Indian women between the ages of 15 and 49 have untreated hypertension. It was 17.09 percent in rural areas against 21.73 percent in urban areas.”

8 facts women must know about heart disease

Women can make the following lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks. But first, according to cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, here are the eight vital facts every woman should know to recognise, prevent, and protect against heart disease and heart attacks.

In his March 9 Instagram post, Dr Yaranov said:

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet many still believe it’s a ‘man’s disease’. It’s time to break that myth.

2. Women’s heart attack symptoms often differ from the classic chest pain. Instead, they may experience nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

3. Heart attacks are deadlier for women. Women have a higher risk of dying within the first year after a heart attack, partly because symptoms are often missed or untreated.

4. Plaque builds up differently in women’s arteries, making heart disease harder to detect. Standard tests are based on men’s heart disease patterns, which can cause missed diagnoses in women.

5. Stress and emotional health impact women’s heart risks more. Anxiety and depression can increase heart disease risk but are often overlooked in heart health discussions.

6. After menopause, heart disease risk rises sharply. The drop in estrogen removes a protective layer, increasing the chances of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart attacks.

7. Women are less likely to receive life-saving treatments. From medication to stents to CPR, women get these less often than men, even though they need them just as much.

8. The good news: most heart disease is preventable. A heart-healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and paying attention to your body can save lives.

What should women do for prevention?

According to Dr Pandey, for better prevention of heart disease in women, early screening and control of risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are especially crucial. Here are six lifestyle changes he suggested:

1. Eat a nutritious diet

A diet high in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, low in saturated and trans fats, can greatly lower the risk of heart disease. A balanced diet was linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease among Indian women, according to current research estimates in the country.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise can increase blood flow, lower the risk of heart disease, and help people stay at a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise at a moderate level is advised by the American Heart Association.

3. Reduce stress

Heart disease risk can rise with high amounts of stress. It’s critical to identify stress-reduction strategies, such as relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation.

4. Give up smoking

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. The risk of heart disease can be decreased, and general health can be enhanced by quitting smoking.

5. Liquor intake

Alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of some cancers. Limiting alcohol consumption is essential to maintain good health.

6. Take care of chronic conditions

Women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are more likely to develop heart disease. These disorders must be managed with medication, dietary adjustments, and routine check-ups.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

“Most people in the UK have blood pressure that’s higher than the ideal, but as a general guide, normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg,” says Prof MacGregor.

So what are the proven ways of reducing blood pressure? The best methods to reduce blood pressure, according to the experts, are:

Fortunately, we have very effective ways of reducing blood pressure with four main types of medicine. “They reduce blood pressure through different mechanisms and that’s important because your body will try to stop it working,” says MacGregor.

“One tablet might reduce the pressure through one mechanism, and then if your body manages to block it, you might be prescribed another pill that works through a different mechanism. If you’re given two tablets that work in different ways, that’s more effective than one, and if you’re on three, that can be more effective than two.”

The four main types are:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) – both work by controlling the hormones that help relax and widen the blood vessels, which in turn lowers the pressure

– both work by controlling the hormones that help relax and widen the blood vessels, which in turn lowers the pressure Thiazide diuretics – which removes excess fluid from the body

– which removes excess fluid from the body Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) – prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries (since calcium causes them to contract more strongly), allowing blood vessels to relax and open.

Side effects for some include dizziness and headaches. “Some people won’t have any side effects. It depends on the drug and the person, and also whether they are on any other medicines,” says Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation.

“The long-term health consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure are much worse. If you have any concerns about your medication, don’t alter the dose or stop taking it. Talk to your GP,” she adds.

This is absolutely key – the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure will be. Even if you are on blood pressure medication, a salty diet can make it work less effectively. Reducing your salt intake will have an impact quickly too – often within weeks.

Though we need a small amount of salt to stay healthy – about 4 grams each day – we should eat no more than 6g, or one level teaspoon.

Most of us eat too much. Roughly 75 per cent is from processed foods, 15 per cent is added during cooking or before eating (so remove the salt cellar from the table), and 10 per cent is found naturally in food.

When it comes to processed foods, check labels carefully for salt or sodium – two loaves of bread or boxes of cereal made by the same company can contain wildly different quantities. “When buying tinned fish, pulses or vegetables, opt for the ones in water over brine,” says Kate Llewellyn-Waters, author, nutritionist and resident expert on TV programme You Are What You Eat.

Know your high-salt items, these are:

Ketchup

Soy sauce

Gravy granules

Pocessed meats

Pickles

Ready meals

Takeaways

Opting for unsalted butter is one example of a simple swap you can make. The FoodSwitch app allows you to scan the barcodes of food and drink and instantly see whether they are high, medium or low in salt. It also suggests healthier alternative products.

“When cooking, one of the most effective tips to retrain your taste buds is to add herbs or spices in place of salt,” says Llewellyn-Waters. Lemon juice, cumin, shallots and fresh or dried herbs will all add flavour.”

The good news is that salt preference is an acquired taste that can be unlearned. It takes six to eight weeks to adjust to much lower quantities – after that, you’ll never enjoy a pretzel again.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. Feb. 14, 2025 – Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Of those, about 75% don’t have it under control and many don’t know they have it.

To raise greater awareness and reduce untreated high blood pressure, the American Heart Association, with support from Providence, is launching the “Love Your Heart. Lower the Pressure.” campaign as part of this year’s American Heart Month celebration. The goal is to encourage people to know their numbers and work with their health care team to keep their blood pressure in check and reduce their risk of serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.

The yearlong campaign, which features the stories of real people living with high blood pressure, especially aims to reach Black and Hispanic/Latino people.

About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure. Black people have higher rates of more severe high blood pressure than other ethnic groups and it develops earlier in life. This is largely due to historical and systemic factors, including adverse social determinants of health, defined as the conditions in which a person is born and lives, and lack of access to health care, healthy food and other resources that support health.1

In the Hispanic/Latino community, 45% of adult men and 27% of adult women have hypertension.2 A study shows Hispanic/Latino people have lower hypertension control rates due to systemic barriers, including access to quality and affordable healthcare and resources for monitoring and treating their hypertension outside of clinical setting.3

“At Providence, we are deeply committed to advancing health equity and addressing the critical health disparities that impact our communities. By supporting the American Heart Association with this hypertension awareness campaign, we aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their heart health. This initiative is not just about raising awareness—it’s about creating tangible change and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support necessary to lead a healthy life,” said Whitney Haggerson, Vice President of Health Equity and Medicaid, Providence.

Most people who have high blood pressure have no obvious symptoms. For people 20 years or older who have normal blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends getting a blood pressure check once a year.

“Hypertension is a silent killer. Getting your numbers measured is the only way to know if you have it,” said Kathy Rogers, executive vice president, American Heart Association Western States. “If your blood pressure is high, it is important to work with your health care team on a plan to get it under control.”

According to the American Heart Association, reducing chronic stress, moving more and choosing nourishing food are important steps to prevent and manage high blood pressure. Keeping a healthy weight and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use are also key.

“The good news is by keeping your blood pressure under control, you can prevent serious health issues like heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, and enjoy a full, healthy life,” said Rogers.

The multimedia public awareness campaign features the stories of real people living with high blood pressure:

Carlo Lopez learned about his high blood pressure shortly after becoming a new father. The husband, father and musician from Los Angeles, California, said changing his eating habits, incorporating more movement daily and taking his medication as prescribed have helped keep his blood pressure under control. “Making a few changes and working with my health care team to manage my high blood pressure was worth every extra beat,” he said.

learned about his high blood pressure shortly after becoming a new father. The husband, father and musician from Los Angeles, California, said changing his eating habits, incorporating more movement daily and taking his medication as prescribed have helped keep his blood pressure under control. “Making a few changes and working with my health care team to manage my high blood pressure was worth every extra beat,” he said. Erika Perez was diagnosed with high blood pressure during her third pregnancy. Ten days after giving birth to her child, she suffered a heart attack. Years later, she had a stroke. “It was always easier for me to take care of others than to take care of myself,” said Perez, a wife, mother and grandmother who runs three restaurants in Los Angeles, California with her husband. “Now I’m managing my high blood pressure, enjoying more quiet moments and putting my health first because I want to be here for my family,” she said.

was diagnosed with high blood pressure during her third pregnancy. Ten days after giving birth to her child, she suffered a heart attack. Years later, she had a stroke. “It was always easier for me to take care of others than to take care of myself,” said Perez, a wife, mother and grandmother who runs three restaurants in Los Angeles, California with her husband. “Now I’m managing my high blood pressure, enjoying more quiet moments and putting my health first because I want to be here for my family,” she said. After a routine exam revealed he had high blood pressure, Julian Allen , then in his 20s, was determined to lower his numbers. He learned how to make healthier, low-sodium dishes that taste good and adopted other strategies that he learned from his mother, who also has hypertension. Allen said he wants everyone to know that anyone can develop high blood pressure. “It is not just an older person’s problem. Knowing your blood pressure numbers is the first step to keeping it under control,” said Allen, who works in business development for a construction company in Portland, Oregon.

, then in his 20s, was determined to lower his numbers. He learned how to make healthier, low-sodium dishes that taste good and adopted other strategies that he learned from his mother, who also has hypertension. Allen said he wants everyone to know that anyone can develop high blood pressure. “It is not just an older person’s problem. Knowing your blood pressure numbers is the first step to keeping it under control,” said Allen, who works in business development for a construction company in Portland, Oregon. Monique Shields developed preeclampsia while pregnant with her first child. Preeclampsia is the most dangerous form of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Shields delivered her firstborn safely, but her blood pressure remained high. Shields knew she had to take action, because hypertension and heart disease run in her family. Now, the wife, mother and entrepreneur from Tacoma, Washington, makes time for daily walks, which have become her favorite form of physical activity. She checks her blood pressure regularly and takes her medication consistently. “If there’s one thing I learned, it’s never too late to turn things around,” she said.

To learn more about high blood pressure and how to prevent and manage it, visit heart.org/bp.

The Love your heart. Lower the pressure. campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s Live Fierce. Reduce your risk. initiative supported by Providence.

Additional Resources:

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Media Inquiries: Kristine Kelly: kristine.kelly@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org | stroke.org

[1] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-among-black-people

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hispanic-health.htm#:~:text=Percent%20of%20men%20age%2020%20and%20older%20with%20hypertension%20(measured,%25%20(2017%2DMarch%202020)

[3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.18381