What the Two Numbers Mean
A blood pressure reading looks like 120/80 mmHg. The top number (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Both matter.
Canadian Blood Pressure Categories
Hypertension Canada uses these general ranges for adults measured in a clinic:
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | Below 80 |
| Elevated / high-normal | 120–139 | 80–89 |
| High (hypertension) | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
If you have diabetes, the target is usually lower — under 130/80. Your doctor sets the right target for you based on your overall risk.
Why High Blood Pressure Matters
High blood pressure is often called the "silent" condition because it usually has no symptoms. Over time, it quietly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems. That's why screening matters even when you feel fine.
Measuring It Properly
A single high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Readings vary throughout the day and can spike from stress, caffeine, or simply being at the doctor's office ("white coat" effect). For an accurate picture:
- Sit quietly for five minutes first, feet flat, back supported
- Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before
- Rest your arm at heart level
- Take two or three readings a minute apart and average them
Home monitors are widely available in Canadian pharmacies and give your doctor more reliable data than a single clinic reading.
What You Can Do
- Reduce sodium. Most Canadians eat far more than the recommended limit. Cooking at home and reading labels helps.
- Move regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking.
- Manage stress and sleep. Both affect blood pressure.
- Take prescribed medication consistently if lifestyle changes aren't enough.
When to See a Doctor
Book an appointment if home readings are repeatedly above 135/85, or sooner if you have other risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart disease. Seek emergency care for a reading above 180/120 with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed Canadian healthcare professional.
