Blood pressure ranges (AHA chart)
Blood pressure is written as systolic “over” diastolic, in mm Hg. The American Heart Association defines five categories. Home readings vary — diagnose only with a clinician using repeated measurements.
| Category | Systolic (mm Hg) | and/or Diastolic (mm Hg) | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and less than 80 | Healthy range — keep up lifestyle |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and less than 80 | Risk of progression — diet and exercise focus |
| High blood pressure stage 1 | 130–139 | or 80–89 | Doctor may discuss lifestyle plus medication |
| High blood pressure stage 2 | 140 or higher | or 90 or higher | Usually medication plus lifestyle changes |
| Hypertensive crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or higher than 120 | Wait 5 minutes, retest; contact doctor immediately if high |
Notes
- If systolic and diastolic fall in different categories, the higher category applies.
- Single home readings are noisy — average morning and evening readings over 3–7 days.
- Hypertensive crisis with chest pain, shortness of breath or vision changes is an emergency call.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 130/80 high blood pressure?
- Yes — 130/80 mm Hg is the threshold for stage 1 hypertension under current AHA/ACC guidelines.
- Which number matters more, systolic or diastolic?
- After age 50, systolic is the stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk, but both are used to classify your reading.
- How can I lower blood pressure without medication?
- Proven lifestyle levers include reducing sodium, regular aerobic exercise, weight loss, limiting alcohol and the DASH eating pattern.