Loading page…
Find your medicineSearch name, salt, strength or type
Blood pressure can be too high, too low or change from one reading to the next. Compare blood pressure medicines and learn about treatment for hypertension, hypotension and elevated blood pressure at KwickPharmacy.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It changes during the day as the body moves, rests, eats, feels stress or responds to illness. One unusual reading does not always mean there is a serious problem. Repeated high or low readings, especially with symptoms, need medical attention.
This page brings high blood pressure, low blood pressure, elevated blood pressure and normal readings together in one simple guide. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, prescription tablets or care for another health condition.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
Normal blood pressure: Usually below 120/80 mmHg in adults.
Elevated blood pressure: The top number is 120 to 129 and the bottom number is below 80.
High blood pressure: The top number is 130 or higher or the bottom number is 80 or higher.
Low blood pressure: Often described as below 90/60 mmHg, especially when it causes symptoms.
These ranges can differ between countries and medical guidelines. A healthcare professional should confirm what the readings mean. The older term “prehypertension” is now often replaced by “elevated blood pressure” or a stage of hypertension.
“Moderate blood pressure” is not one universal medical category. A doctor will look at both numbers, repeated readings, age, health conditions and overall risk.
Blood pressure naturally rises and falls. Temporary changes may happen after exercise, stress, pain, caffeine, smoking, a heavy meal or poor sleep. Standing up quickly can also cause a short drop.
Repeated high blood pressure may be linked to family history, age, high-salt food, excess weight, low physical activity, smoking, alcohol, kidney disease, hormone problems or sleep apnoea. Some medicines can also raise blood pressure.
Low blood pressure may happen because of dehydration, blood loss, infection, pregnancy, heart rhythm problems, heart failure or medicines used for high blood pressure. Some people naturally have low readings without feeling unwell.
High blood pressure often has no clear symptoms. A person may feel completely well while high pressure slowly places extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
When high blood pressure continues for a long time, it can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision problems and memory changes. Very high blood pressure can cause severe headache, chest pain, confusion, seizures, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness or vision loss.
Low blood pressure is not always dangerous. Some people have low readings and no symptoms. Problems are more likely when the pressure falls quickly or does not send enough blood to the brain and other organs.
Low blood pressure symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, weakness, tiredness, confusion or a fast heartbeat. A sudden drop can increase the risk of falling and injury. Severe low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to vital organs and lead to shock.
Short-term changes are common and usually settle when the body returns to rest. Repeated or large changes may show that something needs attention.
High pressure makes the heart pump harder and can gradually injure artery walls. Low pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or fainting. Fast changes may also affect the kidneys, eyes and other organs.
Blood pressure may also appear different because of an incorrect cuff size, talking during the reading, taking a reading immediately after exercise or checking only once. A home record showing the time, reading, symptoms and medicines can help a healthcare professional find a pattern.
Treatment depends on the readings, age, other health conditions and risk of complications. Common blood pressure medicines include:
ACE inhibitors: Such as lisinopril, enalapril and ramipril.
Angiotensin receptor blockers: Such as telmisartan, losartan, valsartan and irbesartan.
Calcium channel blockers: Such as amlodipine, nifedipine and diltiazem.
Diuretics: These help the body remove extra salt and water.
Beta blockers: These slow the heart and may be used for selected heart or blood pressure conditions.
Other medicines: Some people need additional medicines when blood pressure remains high.
Elevated blood pressure may first be managed with less salt, regular activity, a suitable weight, better sleep, less alcohol and stopping smoking. Medicine may be recommended when readings remain high or the risk of heart and blood vessel disease is greater.
Low blood pressure treatment focuses on finding and correcting the cause. A healthcare professional may review or change a medicine, treat dehydration, manage blood loss or treat an infection or heart problem.
Some people are advised to change how they stand, drink fluids or adjust their diet. Extra salt is not suitable for everyone. Medicines such as midodrine or fludrocortisone may be prescribed in selected cases, but they require medical supervision. Do not stop a blood pressure or heart medicine without speaking with the prescriber. Stopping suddenly can make the condition worse.
Check blood pressure using a validated monitor and the correct cuff size.
Take readings at similar times when asked by a healthcare professional.
Keep a record of readings, symptoms and missed doses.
Reduce excess salt and eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Stay active within safe limits.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Stand up slowly if dizziness occurs.
Keep medical appointments for repeat checks.
Call emergency services for a reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher with chest pain, severe headache, confusion, seizures, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness or vision changes.
Urgent help is also needed after fainting, for severe dizziness with cold or clammy skin, confusion, very little urine, heavy bleeding or signs of shock. Pregnant people should seek urgent medical advice for unusually high readings or symptoms such as severe headache, vision changes or upper abdominal pain.
Exercise, stress, sleep, meals, caffeine, smoking, pain, illness, posture and medicines can change blood pressure. Repeated large changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.