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Important information about blood pressure

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall during the day. If your blood pressure consistently stays up, you may have high blood pressure. This is also called hypertension.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure isn’t a condition that happens overnight. It usually happens over time. Most often, it is the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as:

  • Eating too much salt
  • Smoking
  • Not getting enough regular physical activity
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Certain health conditions may raise your risk of developing high blood pressure. These conditions include diabetes, obesity or being pregnant.

Talk to your provider about at-home blood pressure monitoring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests asking your health care provider:

  • What is my target blood pressure?
  • How often and at what time of day should I check my blood pressure?
  • Are there blood pressure numbers I should tell you about right away?
  • What lifestyle changes would you recommend for me?
  • Is there a type of blood pressure monitor you recommend?
  • Should I bring it to my provider visits to check for accuracy?

If you’re a UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid member, view our network of health care providers to help you find a provider.

Know your blood pressure numbers

High blood pressure doesn’t always have warning signs or symptoms. Many people don’t even know they have it. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.

When checking your blood pressure, you’ll be looking at 2 numbers, a top number and bottom number. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. A blood pressure reading consistently greater than 130/80 hints at high blood pressure. The chart below shows all the blood pressure types. Your health care provider can test for high blood pressure, tell you your blood pressure type and help you make a treatment plan if needed.
 

Blood pressure

Top number

Bottom number

Normal

Under 120

Under 80

Starting to get high

120-129

Under 80

High stage 1 (hypertension)

130-139

80-89

High stage 2 (hypertension)

Above 140

Above 90

Very high (hypertensive crisis)

Above 180

Above 120

Note: If your blood pressure is ever at 180/120 or higher, call your health care provider right away.


Tips for more accurate blood pressure readings

Before a blood pressure check, it’s a good idea to:

  • Avoid drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes for 30 minutes before the test.
  • Use the bathroom. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
  • Sit for 5 minutes before the test. Movement can cause a short-term rise in blood pressure.

Sources:

High blood pressure symptoms and causes cdc.gov, May 2021.

High blood pressure causes and risk factors nhlbi.nih.gov, January 2023.