What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is measured to determine the force with which blood flows through the circulatory system. There are two numbers associated with blood pressure: Systolic: This is the higher number and measures blood pressure during a heartbeat. Diastolic: This is a lower number and measures blood pressure between heartbeats. Normal blood pressure for you may be different from the average blood pressure of another person. Your blood pressure may naturally be higher or lower. However, blood pressure that is above or below the normal range can cause negative health problems. Your blood pressure is considered normal when it is 120/80. It is considered low when it drops to 90/60 or lower. High blood pressure is measured at different levels: Your blood pressure is considered normal at a reading of 120/80. It is considered low when it drops to 90/60 or lower. High blood pressure is measured at different levels: Increased: 120-129/80 or less Hypertension grade 1: 130-139/80-89 Hypertension grade 2: 140 or more/90 or more Grade 3 hypertension: higher than 180/higher than 120 Many people with high blood pressure may not even know they have it. That's why it's often called the silent killer. You may have headaches from time to time, but other symptoms are rare. Causes of high blood pressure Causes of high blood pressure High blood pressure builds up slowly over time. This is one reason why you may not notice the symptoms. Unhealthy lifestyles such as poor diet and lack of exercise are factors that affect blood pressure. Other diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, increase the risk of high blood pressure. Who may have high blood pressure? High blood pressure can affect anyone. These risk factors increase the chance of developing the disease: Family history: your close relatives with high blood pressure increase your risk because it is often a genetic disease. Age: Older people are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure because blood vessels lose some of their elasticity over time. Gender: Up to age 64, men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women. The reverse is true at age 65 and older. Race: African-Americans have an increased risk of high blood pressure. Kidney disease: This condition is associated with an increase in blood pressure. How do you know if you have high blood pressure? High blood pressure does not cause many symptoms. Checking your blood pressure regularly is the only way to know if it is high or low. How fast can you lower your blood pressure? In emergency hypertension, blood pressure should be aggressively lowered by no more than 25% in a few minutes to an hour, and then lowered to 160/100-110 mm Hg over the next 2-6 hours. How can you lower your blood pressure in 30 seconds? According to the Japan Hypertension Society, taking six deep breaths in 30 seconds significantly lowers blood pressure. This 30-second breathing exercise is a simple and easy way to help manage stress and promote relaxation. All you need to do is: Find a quiet place where you can rest comfortably.