⚠️ Hypertensive crisis — 180/120 mm Hg or higher
Recheck after five minutes of rest. Call 911 immediately if a reading that high comes with any of:
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Sudden vision change or severe headache
• Back pain
Guidelines & Clinical Information
2025 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline
The current US guideline on preventing, detecting, and treating high blood pressure, including the PREVENT-based treatment thresholds.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings (AHA)
The category chart in plain language, with what to do at each level and what a hypertensive crisis looks like.
High Blood Pressure Facts (CDC)
Current US prevalence, control rates, and demographic breakdowns, updated as new national survey data is released.
Monitoring & Lifestyle
Validated Device Listing (VDL)
The independent list of home blood pressure monitors validated for clinical accuracy. Check a model here before buying it.
DASH Eating Plan (NHLBI)
The eating pattern developed and tested specifically to lower blood pressure, with serving targets by calorie level.