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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure readings include two numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure (top number). This is the force of blood on the artery walls as your heart pumps. The second number is the diastolic pressure (bottom number). This is the force of blood on the artery walls between heartbeats. It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if the top number stays high, or the bottom number stays high, or both, that means you have high blood pressure (hypertension). For diagnosis, the top number may be 130 to 140 or higher. The bottom number may be 80 to 90 or higher.footnote 1, footnote 2 Your doctor will give you a goal for your blood pressure. Your goal will be based on your health and your age. It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. Some medicines can cause your blood pressure to go up. These medicines include certain asthma medicines and cold remedies. A low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid. One high or low blood pressure reading by itself may not mean you need to call for help. If you take your blood pressure and it is out of the normal range, wait a few minutes and take it again. If it's still high or low, use the following guidance. Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if: Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 10, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Blood Pressure Numbers: When to Get Help
Overview
What do your blood pressure numbers mean?
What can cause blood pressure to go up or down?
When should you call your doctor?
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.