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Why is it important to control high blood pressure?

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. Your blood pressure is normal when it is below 140/90, or below 150/90 if you are 60 years or older.

How should doctors help control high blood pressure?

Doctors should work with you to help control your blood pressure to below 140/90, or below 150/90 if you are 60 years or older. The doctor can help in many ways. They can help you plan to eat food with little or no salt, maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active and stop smoking. And when needed, the doctor can also order medicine which can help lower your blood pressure.

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 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.