Taking steps to reduce stress can improve your health, including your blood pressure. Hypertension is the result of blood pressure that is too high. When you are experiencing high levels of stress, your blood pressure can spike. Constant increases in blood pressure can harm your blood vessels and raise your risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other health issues. Know what your numbers mean for you.

According to the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association:
• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Prehypertension is between 120/80 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg.
• High blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

Treatment and lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure to reduce your risk of life-threatening complications. Learn more about 10 ways to keep the pressure off!