What’s the difference?

HIGH AND LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure

(hypertension) means your blood pressure readings are consistently 140 over 90, or higher, for a number of weeks.

You may also have high blood pressure if just one of the numbers is higher than it should be over a month or so.

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this strain increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. It can also cause kidney disease and is closely linked to a form of dementia.

Low blood pressure

is having readings of 90 over 60 or lower. Only one of the numbers has to be lower than it should be to count as low blood pressure.

Some people have a blood pressure level that is lower than normal. In general, this may be good news because the lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of stroke or heart disease.

Having low blood pressure rarely causes problems, and doctors are loathe to treat it.