Blood Pressure
Know your numbers. Keep them steady.
What the numbers mean
- The top number (systolic) is the pressure while the heart beats.
- The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure between beats.
- Around 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal for adults.
- Readings from about 140/90 mmHg upwards are usually treated as high.
- A single high reading is not a diagnosis — patterns over days matter more.
Typical symptoms
- High blood pressure often has no symptoms at all.
- Some people notice headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds when it is very high.
- Low blood pressure can cause light-headedness when standing up.
Common treatments and self-care
- Less salt, more vegetables, fruit and wholegrains.
- Regular moderate exercise, most days of the week.
- Limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, and losing excess weight.
- Prescribed medicines such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers or diuretics.
- Measuring at home at the same time each day and writing readings down.
How to measure well
- Sit quietly for five minutes first, back supported, feet flat.
- Rest the arm at heart height and stay still and silent.
- Take two readings a minute apart and record the second.
Seek medical help urgently if
- Reading above 180/120 mmHg
- Chest pain, severe headache or blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking, weakness on one side, or confusion
General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.