How High Can Blood Pressure Go?

Blood pressure (BP) is the force with which the heart pumps blood to maintain regular blood flow through the body. This force exerts pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, primarily the arteries. A study published in 1995 recorded maximum blood pressure of 370/360 mm Hg. The doctors involved in the study recorded the blood pressure of 10 athletes. Each athlete performed double-leg press sets at 85% and 100% of maximum capacity, once with a closed glottis Valsalva (a forceful attempted exhalation against the closed airway) and then with slow exhalations. Although athletes in that study endured blood pressure of 300+, BP crossing above 180 is dangerous as it can lead to heart or kidney failure.