What are normal high blood pressure numbers?

Theodore D. Richards, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Stage 1 hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a reading above 140/90. A single high reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Your physician or healthcare provider may take several readings over time before diagnosing you with high blood pressure and beginning a treatment plan.

Dr. Cynthia Washington

Family Medicine

To assess for high blood pressure, you should have two or more blood pressure readings taken while sitting on different occasions. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 while sitting. The following are categories of high blood pressure:

Pre High Blood Pressure: Readings of 120-139 over 80-89

Stage 1 High Blood Pressure: Readings of 140-159 over 90-99

Stage 2 High Blood Pressure: Readings of 160 or higher over 100 or higher

Please contact your doctor if your blood pressure readings fall within any of these stages.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Everyone should know their blood pressure numbers, since leaving high blood pressure unchecked is dangerous.

In this video, Dr. Oz talks about what normal numbers should be.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Hypertension

Clinically known as hypertension, high blood pressure can cause a host of problems if left untreated. The most common type of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure causes our hearts to work harder by forcing blood to push against the walls of our arteries at an elevated level. Hypertension is the leading cause of strokes and heart attack. It also increases your risk of having heart and kidney failure and hardening of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.

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