Normal and High Blood Pressure — Which Numbers Are Dangerous?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps (systolic) and rests (diastolic). High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease — but often has no obvious symptoms until it is too late.
Reference ranges
* Reference values only. Consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Common causes of high blood pressure
A high-salt diet, excess weight, physical inactivity, and chronic stress are the most common causes. Genetics play a significant role — if a parent has hypertension, your risk is considerably higher. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also raise blood pressure.
Why is high blood pressure dangerous?
Hypertension is called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes symptoms. Sustained high blood pressure damages blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys over time. People with hypertension have 4x higher stroke risk and 2x higher heart attack risk compared to those with normal blood pressure.
Home blood pressure monitoring — How often?
Healthy adults should measure blood pressure at least 1–2 times per week. Those with a history or high risk should measure daily, at the same time each day. Wearable devices like smart rings enable continuous blood pressure trend monitoring without a bulky arm cuff.
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