A reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. The chart shows all five categories and where common readings fall.
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120 - 129 | Less than 80 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 1 | 130 - 139 | 80 - 89 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
These ranges are based on guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). They apply to adults aged 18 and over who are not taking blood pressure medication.
| Reading (mmHg) | Category |
|---|---|
| 110/70 | Normal |
| 120/70 | Elevated |
| 120/80 | High Blood Pressure Stage 1 |
| 125/85 | High Blood Pressure Stage 1 |
| 130/80 | High Blood Pressure Stage 1 |
| 130/85 | High Blood Pressure Stage 1 |
| 135/85 | High Blood Pressure Stage 1 |
| 140/90 | High Blood Pressure Stage 2 |
| 150/90 | High Blood Pressure Stage 2 |
| 150/100 | High Blood Pressure Stage 2 |
| 160/100 | High Blood Pressure Stage 2 |
If your systolic and diastolic readings fall into different categories, your classification is determined by whichever number puts you in the higher (more serious) category.
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Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitors Large Blood Pressure Cuffs Blood Pressure Log BooksA reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal and healthy. Your heart is not working under excessive pressure, and your risk of cardiovascular disease from blood pressure is low. The goal is to maintain this range through a healthy lifestyle.
Even within the normal range, lower is generally better, as long as you do not experience symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or fainting. Some naturally fit individuals have readings below 100/60 without any health concerns.
Elevated blood pressure is not yet hypertension, but it is a warning sign. Research shows that people with consistently elevated readings are at significantly higher risk of developing high blood pressure without lifestyle changes. This is the ideal stage to intervene (through diet, exercise, reduced salt intake, and managing stress) before medication becomes necessary.
Stage 1 hypertension indicates your heart is working harder than it should. At this stage, your doctor will assess your overall cardiovascular risk and is likely to recommend lifestyle changes. Medication may be prescribed, particularly if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, a history of heart disease, or a strong family history of hypertension.
Stage 2 hypertension is more serious and almost always requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Sustained readings at this level place significant stress on the heart, arteries, and kidneys. If you consistently measure at or above this range, you should see your doctor promptly.
A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. Readings in this range require immediate attention. If your reading is above 180/120 and you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, vision changes, or numbness, call 911 immediately.
If you have no symptoms, rest for five minutes and retest. If the reading remains above 180/120, contact your doctor or go to an urgent care center immediately.