Checking your blood pressure helps you avoid health problems. Learn more about what your numbers mean.
www.mayoclinic.org
Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. If your top and bottom numbers fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/85 mm Hg, you have stage 1 hypertension.
| Top number (systolic) in mm Hg | And/or | Bottom number (diastolic) in mm Hg | Blood pressure category* | What to do† |
|---|
| | | | |
| Below 120 | and | Below 80 | Normal blood pressure | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. |
| 120 to 129 | and | Below 80 | Elevated blood pressure | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. |
| 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 | Stage 1 hypertension | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to a healthcare professional about taking one or more medicines. |
| 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher | Stage 2 hypertension | Maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to a healthcare professional about taking more than one medicine. |
Sources: American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association
*Ranges may be lower for children and teenagers. Talk to your child's care provider if you're concerned that your child has high blood pressure.
A blood pressure measurement over 180/120 mm Hg is called a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers.
