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Why is it important to control high blood pressure if you have hypertension?

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Having your blood pressure checked is an important part of good health care. Blood pressure is normal when it is below 140/90 for patients 18 to 59 years of age and below 150/90 for patients 60 to 85 years of age. Learn more about what these number mean at the American Heart Association website.

How should doctors help control high blood pressure?

Doctors should work with you to control your blood pressure to below 140/90, or below 150/90 if you are 60 years or older. Your doctor can help educate you about which foods have little or no salt. Your doctor can also educate you about how to maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, and stop smoking. If your blood pressure is above normal, the doctor can also order medicine that will help lower it.

Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out about what other services are available. Many health plans offer additional support and resources for patients with high blood pressure who want to better control their blood pressure. These additional services may be educational materials (online and in print), classes or support groups, home blood pressure monitoring, or phone counseling.