When the beating sound is no longer heard, the heart is at rest. The lowest pressure that remains within the artery when the heart is at rest is the diastolic pressure. If the systolic blood pressure stays at 140 mmHg or greater, or the diastolic blood pressure stays at 90 mmHg or greater, you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is categorized into four stages. As blood pressure goes up, the risk of heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease increases, so taking action becomes more important.
Concerted effort is crucial.
It can be daunting and overwhelming. However, one does not have to try and make all the changes at once. Focus on one or two at a time. If you are overweight, losing as few as 10 pounds may lead to a meaningful drop in high blood pressure. Weight loss also can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of medications.