Categories for Blood Pressure
Levels in Adults*
(Ages 18 Years and Older)
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Blood Pressure Level (mm Hg)
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Category
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Systolic
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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.
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Legend
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< means LESS THAN
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means GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO
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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).
