Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers—for example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). One or both of these numbers can be too high.
The top number is called the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure.
- Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg most of the time.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above most of the time.
- If your blood pressure numbers are 120/80 or higher, but below 140/90, it is called pre-hypertension.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as a blood pressure that is consistently at or above 140/90. Goal blood pressure should be less than 130/80. In between these two numbers is termed "prehypertension" and signals a need for lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, increased exercise, or decreased sodium intake.
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Blood pressure above 140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic is considered hypertensive. There are 2 stages of hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is systolic blood pressure between 140 to 159 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90 to 99 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension is blood pressure greater than 160 mm Hg systolic and/or 100 mm Hg diastolic. When systolic and diastolic pressures fall into different categories, your healthcare professional should select the higher category to classify your blood pressure. For example, 160/80 mm Hg would be considered stage 2 hypertension.
If you are hypertensive and have begun receiving initial medication therapy, you will probably need to return for follow-up and adjustment of medications once a month until your blood pressure goal is reached. More frequent visits may be necessary for those with stage 2 hypertension.
The following numbers are considered high blood pressure:
- stage 1: systolic blood pressure from 130 to 139 or diastolic from 80 to 89
- stage 2: systolic blood pressure of at least 140 or diastolic at least 90
- hypertensive crisis: systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with people needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Elevated blood pressure is systolic from 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80. The best way to find out if blood pressure numbers are within a healthy range for a person's gender, height and age is to have annual health screenings.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Merle Myerson explains blood pressure and which numbers are considered high by your doctor. Watch Dr. Myerson's video for important tips and information about heart health.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is blood pressure greater than 140 over 90 mm HG (millimeters of mercury). For an adult, optimal blood pressure is 120 over 80, although it can range from 110 over 70 to 140 over 90.
Categories for blood pressure levels in adults ages 18 and older (who are not on medicine for high blood pressure, are not having a short-term illness, and do not have other conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease) are:
- Normal: systolic less than 120; diastolic less than 80
- Pre-hypertension: systolic 120-139; diastolic 80-89
- High blood pressure stage 1: systolic 140-159; diastolic 90-99
- High blood pressure stage 2: systolic 160 or higher; diastolic 100 or higher
High blood pressure is when the top number (systolic) is higher than 140, OR if the bottom number (diastolic) is higher than 90. Normal blood pressure should be less than 120/80, and anything in between is considered "pre-hypertension." High blood pressure needs to be measured properly on at least three separate office visits before a formal diagnosis of hypertension is given.
Blood pressure is made of 2 numbers. The top number, systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in your blood vessels during your heart beat, while the bottom number, diastolic, measures pressure in between heartbeats. Blood pressure is considered to be high if the systolic (top) number is 140 or higher AND/OR the diastolic (bottom) number is 90 or higher. People with systolic pressure less than 140 but at or above 120, OR diastolic pressure less than 90 but at or above 80 are considered to be at risk for high blood pressure or hypertension.
Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. While BP can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over. About one in three (33.5 percent) US adults has high blood pressure. If your blood pressure reading is higher than normal, your doctor may take several readings over time and/or have you monitor your blood pressure at home before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.
A single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above (systolic 140 or above OR diastolic 90 or above) over time, your doctor will likely want you to begin a treatment program. Such a program almost always includes lifestyle changes and often prescription medication for those with readings of 140/90 or higher.
A healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80, prehypertension is 120-139/80-89 and high blood pressure (HTN) is anything over 140/90, according to the American Heart Association. A single high blood pressure reading does not mean you have HTN. Your blood pressure could be temporarily high for a number of reasons, including stress. To diagnose HTN, your doctor will take several blood pressure readings over time or have you monitor your blood pressure at home. If you blood pressure remains high (greater than 140/90), your doctor will probably want you to begin treatment for HTN. Diet changes, exercise and certain medications can help you lower your blood pressure to a healthy range.
A top systolic blood pressure number in the range of 140 to 150 is the first stage of high blood pressure that doctors need to be aware of. One's blood pressure numbers change over time, but typically, the top number—the systolic blood pressure—should be anywhere between 120 and 139. One exception in that situation has to do with age. If you're above the age of 65, that top number can be in the 140s, meaning under 150, and still be considered within normal limits.
For the bottom number, anything above 90 when you're over the age of 65 would be considered hypertensive; but otherwise, between 85 and 90 is considered the first stage of hypertension, so ideally, you want that bottom number under 85.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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