Having Stage 2 high blood pressure (BP) means you are at least twice as likely to have serious diseases. These can include a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. This is compared to a person with normal BP.

Stage 2 high blood pressure is the moderate to severe level of high blood pressure. It is BP at 140/90 or higher. It is Stage 2 if either the top, bottom, or both numbers are at or above this level.

The risk of the serious diseases begins to rise around 115/75 mm Hg. After that, the risk doubles for each 20 mm Hg rise in the top number and each 10 mm Hg rise in the bottom number. In fact, people with BP of 155/95 are 4 times as likely to have serious organ damage as someone with normal BP.

Risk Doubles as Blood Pressure Goes Up

Lowering your blood pressure can help prevent damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. It can prevent serious disease. If you have Stage 2 high BP, your doctor will probably start you on BP-lowering medicine right away. You will also be counseled to promote healthy habits.

Lower your BP and stay healthy!