Blood Pressure (BP) Numbers: An Introduction
What is blood pressure?
- Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels.
- Systolic blood pressure shows how much pressure your blood uses against your artery walls when the heart beats. This is the top number in the reading.
- Diastolic blood pressure shows how much pressure your blood uses against your artery walls while the heart rests between beats. This is the bottom number in the reading.
What is high blood pressure?
- High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is when your blood pressure stays high over time.
What are Blood Pressure Categories?
- The American Heart Association (AHA) has created ranges, or categories, for blood pressure readings. They show what is normal, as well as ranges that are too high.
- See the categories in the chart below:
What do these Blood Pressure Categories mean?
| Category |
Consistent BP Range |
Treatment or Action |
| Normal |
Below 120/80 |
Stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
|
| Elevated |
Systolic: 120-129 Diastolic: Less than 88 |
People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless they take steps to control the condition. Speak with your healthcare provider about what you can do to prevent high blood pressure. This includes diet and exercise.
|
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 |
Systolic: 130-139 Diastolic: 80-89 |
At this stage, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes. They may also add blood pressure medication. They would base this on your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
|
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 |
140/90 mm Hg or higher
|
At this stage, doctors are likely to prescribe both blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
|
| Hypertensive Crisis |
Suddenly goes higher than 180/120 mm Hg |
This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your BP is in this high range, wait 5 minutes then test your blood pressure again.
If your readings are still unusually high, contact your healthcare provider right away. You could be having a hypertensive crisis.
|
|
Call 911 right away if:
Your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage. Signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness. You may also notice a change in vision or difficulty speaking. Do NOT wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own.
|
© 2021 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.