Categories for Blood Pressure
Levels in Adults*

(Ages 18 Years and Older)

 

Blood Pressure Level (mm Hg)

 

   

Category

Systolic

 Diastolic
Optimal**

< 120

< 80

Normal

< 130

< 85

High Normal

130–139

85–89

High Blood Pressure

Stage 1

140–159

90–99

Stage 2

160–179

100–109

Stage 3

180

110

* For those not taking medicine for high blood pressure and not having a short-term serious illness. These categories are from the National High Blood Pressure Education Program.

 

 

** Optimal blood pressure with respect to heart disease risk is below 120/80 mm Hg.  However, unusually low readings should be evaluated for clinical significance.

 

 

Legend

< means LESS THAN

means GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO

 

When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mm Hg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).

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