Stage 1 high blood pressure (BP) means you may be twice as likely to have serious diseases. These can include a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. This is compared to a person with normal BP. The risk of serious disease begins to rise around 115/75 mm Hg. After that, the risk doubles for each 20 mm Hg rise in the top number and each 10 mm Hg rise in the bottom number. In fact, people with BP of 135/85 are 2 times as likely to have serious organ damage.

Risk of Disease Doubles as Blood Pressure Goes Up

Lowering your blood pressure can help prevent damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. It can prevent serious disease. If you have Stage 1 high BP, your doctor will counsel you to promote healthy habits. You may also need to take BP-lowering medicine.

Lower your BP and stay healthy!