High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems including heart attack or stroke. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have it. Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent major health problems.
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| ELEVATED | 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 HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER |
| HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can check if your blood pressure is too low.
Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get it checked.
Then, enter your numbers into this calculator to see which blood pressure category you are in.
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Congratulations! Your blood pressure is normal. Keep up the good work. Stick with these heart-healthy habits.
You have elevated blood pressure. Unless steps are taken to control it, elevated blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure.
Work with your health care team to get your blood pressure in the normal range. Lifestyle changes can help.
You have high blood pressure Stage 1. Your health care professional should prescribe lifestyle changes. They may add medication based on your risk of heart disease or stroke. Medication should also be added if you have conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease.
You have high blood pressure Stage 2. Your health care professional should prescribe lifestyle changes and medication to lower your blood pressure. You may need one or more medications to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
You may be in hypertensive crisis.
If your readings are still high, call your health care professional right away.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking.
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If your blood pressure is in the normal range, stick with heart-healthy habits such as following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
If your blood pressure is elevated, work with your health care professional to control the condition.
In hypertension Stage 1, your health care professional should prescribe lifestyle changes. They may consider adding medication based on your risk of heart disease or stroke and should add medication if you have other conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease.
In hypertension Stage 2, your health care professional should prescribe blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes.
In hypertensive crisis, you need medical attention.
If your readings are still unusually high, contact your health care professional immediately.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are having:
Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
A higher systolic or diastolic reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. But the systolic blood pressure tells more about risk factors for heart disease for people over 50. As people get older, their systolic blood pressure usually goes up because:
Last Reviewed: May 17, 2024
