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Originally published May 15, 2023
Last updated September 5, 2025
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Almost two-thirds of adults don鈥檛 know the upper thresholds for normal or healthy blood pressure, according to a study from the 喵咪社区 Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics.
But nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Most people will develop hypertension at some point in their lifetimes, especially as they age.
鈥淗igh blood pressure usually has no symptoms,鈥� says co-director of the behavioral sciences program at 喵咪社区 Schaeffer, and the study鈥檚 co-author. 鈥淪o, it is important to have your blood pressure tested, and to take action if it鈥檚 too high.鈥�
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The top number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in our arteries when our hearts beat.
The second number is called diastolic blood pressure; it measures the pressure in our arteries when our hearts are resting between beats.
Findings of the study, published in the journal Medical Decision Making, could indicate major gaps in public understanding of hypertension risk levels and when to seek care.
鈥淏lood pressure feels like a familiar topic because it gets measured at pretty much every health care visit,鈥� Dr. Bruine de Bruin says. 鈥淏ut if these blood pressure measurements are not explained well or at all, we may develop false confidence.鈥�
Lowering blood pressure can lead to better health. Lifestyle changes such as eating a low-sodium diet, limiting alcohol use, being more physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and quitting smoking can help people with stage 1 hypertension.
Medication is recommended for those with stage 2 hypertension and for some patients with stage 1, including those with comorbidities like heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
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