I have hypertension. What is my goal blood pressure supposed to be?
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Normally, blood pressure reducing medications are started when your blood pressure is greater than 140/90. The goal is to get your blood pressure, on average, less than 140/90. However, if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the goal is to get your blood pressure under 130/80. If you don’t have a home blood pressure monitor, you should try to purchase one and record your blood pressure at different times of the day to see if you are meeting your goal. Before checking your blood pressure, you should be resting for five minutes, sitting upright in a chair with a good back. Remember, depending on the medications you are taking, it may take hours to days before you see the full effect from the medication on your blood pressure (if taking a new medication or new dosage of medication).
