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My blood pressure is 150/100. What should I do?

Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS

First, do not panic: 150/100 is high, not an emergency, unless you also have chest pain, severe headache, breathlessness or vision changes.

Recheck properly after five quiet minutes. If it stays in that range, measure twice daily for a week and book a doctor visit with the numbers. Most guidelines treat sustained readings at this level with lifestyle changes plus medicine.

Cut added salt, walk daily, limit alcohol, and sleep properly while you wait for the visit. These help within weeks, but they support treatment rather than replace the appointment.

If you are buying a monitor

Get an upper-arm cuff, not a wrist one, from a validated brand like Omron. Expect $30 to $60. Check the cuff size fits your arm; a too-small cuff reads high.

See validated upper-arm monitors

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Is this your situation right now?

General answers only go so far. A doctor can look at your numbers and history and give you a written answer about you.

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Health education, not personal medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service now.

In an emergency, do not use this site. Chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, heavy bleeding, serious injury, or thoughts of harming yourself: contact your local emergency service now.