Chart
Blood pressure chart
Normal is under 120/80. Elevated is systolic 120 to 129 with diastolic under 80. Stage 1 starts at 130 or 80, stage 2 at 140 or 90, and 180 or 120 is severe. The higher band of your two numbers sets your category.
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The categories
| Category | Systolic (top number) | Diastolic (bottom number) | What it means | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | under 120 | and | under 80 | The range with the lowest risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | under 80 | Not high blood pressure yet. Risk starts to climb here, and this is where habits do the most. |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 | High blood pressure. Most people start with lifestyle changes. Medication comes up if it stays there after 3 to 6 months, or sooner if your overall risk is high. |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher | High blood pressure that the US guideline treats with medication alongside lifestyle changes. |
| Severe | 180 or higher | or | 120 or higher | Rest five minutes and measure again. With chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or a change in vision, call emergency services. |
Categories go by your average over several days, not one measurement. The seven-day home week gets you that average.
Common pairs
| Numbers | Category |
|---|---|
| 110/70 | Normal |
| 115/75 | Normal |
| 120/80 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 125/75 | Elevated |
| 125/85 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 130/80 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 130/85 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 135/85 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 135/90 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 140/80 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 140/90 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 145/95 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 150/90 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 150/100 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 160/100 | Stage 2 hypertension |
| 180/120 | Severe |
When to act now
With chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, weakness, numbness, vision change or trouble speaking, call emergency services, whatever the number. At 180 or 120 and up with none of these, rest for five minutes and measure again. If it stays that high, call your doctor today.
Sources
- Whelton PK et al. 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for high blood pressure in adults, categories kept in the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline.
