What do your blood pressure numbers mean?
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, involves having your blood pressure measured. Understanding your results is essential to controlling high blood pressure.
Healthy and Unhealthy Blood Pressure Ranges
Learn what is considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (top number) | and or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | And | LESS THAN 80 |
| PUPIL | 120 – 129 | And | LESS THAN 80 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 | 130 – 139 | Or | 80 – 89 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 | 140 OR MORE | Or | 90 OR MORE |
| HYPERTENSION ATTACK (consult your doctor immediately) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure should be confirmed with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional must also assess any abnormal situation. low blood pressure readings.
Download this table
Blood Pressure Categories
The five blood pressure ranges recognized by the American Heart Association are:
Normal
Blood pressure values below 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick to heart-healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Pupil
High blood pressure occurs when readings vary consistently between 120 and 129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with high blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1
High blood pressure is stage 1 when blood pressure varies constantly between 130 and 139 mm Hg systolic or between 80 and 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, healthcare professionals are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medications based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension occurs when blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, healthcare professionals are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertension crisis
This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your results remain unusually high, contact your healthcare professional immediately. You could experience a hypertensive crisis.
If your blood pressure is above 180/120 mm Hg or you have signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty talk, don’t wait to see if your pressure goes down on its own. Call 911.
Your Blood Pressure Numbers and What They Mean
Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates the pressure your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates the pressure your blood puts against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between contractions.
Which number is the most important?
Typically, more attention is paid to systolic blood pressure (the first number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of the large arteries, eventually a buildup of plaque, and an increased incidence of heart and vascular disease.
However, an elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure reading can be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
