Blood Pressure Categories
The 6 blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are as follows:
Select each item for more information.
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Hypertension stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertension stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, wait 1 minute and then take your blood pressure again. If the second reading is just as high, check for these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking. If you do not have any of these symptoms or any other new or concerning symptoms, you likely have severe hypertension. You should contact your health care professional. Your health care professional may start or adjust blood pressure medication.
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, wait 1 minute and then take your blood pressure again. If the second reading is just as high, check for these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking. If you do not have any of these symptoms or any other new or concerning symptoms, you likely have severe hypertension. You should contact your health care professional. Your health care professional may start or adjust blood pressure medication.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing symptoms that include: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking.
Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing symptoms that include: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking.