Normal blood pressure is a reading of less than 120/80. High blood pressure (hypertension) is 140/90 or higher. 120-139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension. As you can see yours is well into the hypertension range. If this is a single reading it may mean nothing. Many factors can cause a persons blood pressure to rise for a short time. Having just smoked, drank caffeine, taken certain medications, stress and physical exertion are some things. When taking your blood pressure do so in a quiet place where you can relax. Mornings are best, before you become active and before you take your medicines or eat. You should not have smoked or drank caffeine for at least 30 minutes prior. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and legs not crossed. Relax for several minutes before taking the reading. When ready, place the cuff according to the directions on the device. Put your arm at heart level, then start the monitor. This will give the best results. If the reading you gave is an average reading and your method of taking your blood pressure is correct, then you need to take your recorded results to your doctor and discuss your concerns. He/she may want you to come by the office for several readings over the next few days or weeks, He/she may suggest ways to reduce your blood pressure or give you a prescrption for it. If you are already on a medication, discuss the issue with your doctor. He/she may increase your dose, add another medication or change the medication. Ways to decrease your blood pressure are: 1) Stop smoking, if you smoke 2) Reduce alcohol consumption, if you drink 3) Reduce your sodium (salt) intake 4) Reduce consumption of caffeine 5) Get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day NOTE: Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Walking, cycling and swimming are good cardio exercises. If you are unable to start at 30 min/day, start with less the gradualy increase the time and/or intensity over several weeks. It won t be long until a 30 minute workout feels easy. For more information on high blood pressure I suggest the following link: MedlinePlus - High Blood Pressure http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/highbloodpressure.html Hope it helps and you get better, Terry