Title: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings URL Source: http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings Markdown Content: [Skip to main content](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings#main-content) * [Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms](http://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms) * [Volunteer](http://www.heart.org/en/volunteer) * [Learn CPR](https://cpr.heart.org/en/) * [ShopHeart](https://www.shopheart.org/?utm_source=heart.org&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=AHA-Parent-Site-Top-Nav-Desktop) Menu Close Menu * Healthy Living * * [Healthy Living](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living) * [Healthy Eating](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating) * [Eat Smart](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart) * [Healthy Food Facts](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/healthy-food-facts) * [Heart-Check 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[Donate Once](https://mygiving.heart.org/-/XBURBQFW)[Donate Monthly](https://pages.heart.org/drtv_helpheart?s_src=27A211AEMG&s_subsrc=aug_27_p1_lightbox_donate_monthly) 1. [Home](http://www.heart.org/en/) 2. [Health Topics](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics) 3. [High Blood Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure) 4. [Understanding Blood Pressure Readings](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings#) # Understanding Blood Pressure Readings ## Quick Facts * High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems. * It’s important to have your blood pressure measured and to understand what your numbers mean. ## What do your blood pressure numbers mean? [High blood pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure), also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems including heart attack or stroke. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have it. Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent major health problems. ### Blood Pressure Categories Blood Pressure Categories Chart | BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (top/upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (bottom/lower number) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 | | ELEVATED | 120 – 129 | and | LESS THAN 80 | | STAGE 1 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 | | STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure) | 140 OR HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER | | SEVERE HYPERTENSION (If you don’t have symptoms*, call your health care professional.) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 | | [HYPERTENSIVE EMERGENCY](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/when-to-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure)(If you have any of these symptoms*, call 911.) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 | | ***symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking** | * * * Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can check if your blood pressure is [**too low**](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low)**.** ### View or print the Blood Pressure Categories chart * [English PDF](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/HBP-rainbow-chart-English.pdf) * [Spanish PDF](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/HBP-rainbow-chart-Spanish.pdf) * [Simplified Chinese PDF](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/BP-Readings-Chart-Simplifed-Chinese.pdf?sc_lang=en) * [Traditional Chinese PDF](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/HBP-rainbow-chart-Chinese.pdf) Loading... ## Take Control of Your Blood Pressure Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get it checked. Then, enter your numbers into this calculator to see which blood pressure category the reading is in. Get Started ## Systolic Pressure Using your most recent blood pressure measurement, what is your systolic (upper) number? Less than 120 120-129 130-139 140-179 180 or higher Question 1 of 2 Back Next ## Diastolic Pressure Using your most recent blood pressure measurement, what is your diastolic (lower) number? Less than 80 80-89 90-119 120 or higher Question 2 of 2 Back Next ![Image 13: Blood Pressure Calculator](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Stroke-Images/logos/WF_574032_BPCalculator_images_Logo.png?h=83&w=300&sc_lang=en&hash=80E31617AA649FC565BE35CF57042A8C)![Image 14](http://www.heart.org/dist/common/assets/glyphs/retake-quiz-Icon.svg)Start Over ## Normal Blood Pressure Congratulations! This blood pressure reading is in the normal range. Keep up the good work. Stick with these heart-healthy habits. [Follow a heart-healthy eating plan.](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart "Follow a heart-healthy eating plan.") [Get regular physical activity.](http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/exercise-and-physical-activity/getting-active "Get regular physical activity.") ## Elevated Blood Pressure This blood pressure reading is in the elevated range. Unless steps are taken to control it, elevated blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure. It’s important to recheck your blood pressure with your healthcare team. They can confirm if this reading is within your target blood pressure range and discuss any steps you might need to take to keep it in a healthy range. Lifestyle changes can help. [Work with your health care team to manage your blood pressure.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/your-health-care-team "Work with your health care team to manage your blood pressure.") [Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure "Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.") ## High Blood Pressure Stage 1 This blood pressure reading is in the high blood pressure Stage 1 range. It’s important to recheck your blood pressure with your healthcare team. If they confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure Stage 1, they should prescribe lifestyle changes. They may add medication based on your risk of heart disease or stroke. Medication should also be added if you have other conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. [Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure "Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.") [Learn about blood pressure-lowering medications.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications "Learn about blood pressure-lowering medications.") ## High Blood Pressure Stage 2 This blood pressure reading is in the high blood pressure Stage 2 range. It’s important to recheck your blood pressure with your healthcare team. If they confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure Stage 2, they should prescribe lifestyle changes and medication to lower your blood pressure. You may need one or more medications to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. [Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure "Make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.") [Learn about blood pressure-lowering medications.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications "Learn about blood pressure-lowering medications.") ## Severe Hypertension This blood pressure reading is in the severe hypertension range. * Wait at least 1 minute. * Take your blood pressure again. If your readings are still high, call your healthcare professional. If your blood pressure is higher than 180 and/or 120 mm Hg and you have any of these symptoms, **call 911**: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. **This is a hypertensive emergency.** [Learn about hypertensive emergency.](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/when-to-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure "Learn about hypertensive emergency.") Uh oh, it appears that there was a network issue. Back ![Image 15: Blood Pressure Calculator](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Stroke-Images/logos/WF_574032_BPCalculator_images_Logo.png?h=83&w=300&sc_lang=en&hash=80E31617AA649FC565BE35CF57042A8C) ![Image 16](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/BP-Calculator/BP-monitor-generic.png?h=450&w=450&sc_lang=en&hash=4ED96F76A6658BF6262CE3D2318F2C4E) ![Image 17](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/BP-Calculator/BP-monitor-systolic.png?h=450&w=450&sc_lang=en&hash=1235E85B2DADE1FBAB5D9F726AF74EFD) ![Image 18](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/BP-Calculator/BP-monitor-diastolic.png?h=450&w=450&sc_lang=en&hash=856FCDC591C18F579756C9BEFB329666) ![Image 19](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/BP-Calculator/BP-monitor-generic.png?h=450&w=450&sc_lang=en&hash=4ED96F76A6658BF6262CE3D2318F2C4E) ## Controlling blood pressure If your blood pressure is in the **normal range**, stick with heart-healthy habits such as following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. If your blood pressure is **elevated**, stick with or adopt heart-healthy habits such as following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. The goal is to prevent reaching hypertension Stage 1. In **hypertension Stage 1**, your health care professional should prescribe lifestyle changes. They may consider adding medication based on your risk of heart disease or stroke and should add medication if you have other conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. In **hypertension Stage 2**, your health care professional should prescribe blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes. In **severe hypertension**, if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg: * Wait 1 minute. * Take your blood pressure again. If the second reading is just as high, check for these symptoms: * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Back pain * Numbness * Weakness * Change in vision * Difficulty speaking If you do not have any of these symptoms or any other new and concerning symptoms, you likely have severe hypertension. You should contact your health care professional. Your health care professional may start or adjust blood pressure medication. In **hypertensive emergency**, call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing symptoms that may include: * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Back pain * Numbness * Weakness * Change in vision * Difficulty speaking ## Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: * **Systolic blood pressure**is the first (top/upper) number. It measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls when the heart beats. * **Diastolic blood pressure**is the second (bottom/lower) number. It measures the pressure your blood is pushing against your artery walls while the heart muscle rests between beats. ## Which number is more important? A higher systolic or diastolic reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure. But the systolic blood pressure tells more about risk factors for heart disease for people over 50. As people get older, their systolic blood pressure usually goes up because: * Large arteries become stiffer * There is more plaque buildup over time * Higher rates of heart and blood vessel diseases Read more about [high blood pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure). Play without Auto-Play ![Image 20: Is there a difference between hypertension and high blood pressure?](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/House-calls-HBP-vs-Hypertension.jpg?h=506&w=900&sc_lang=en&hash=F59AA704E27550CB2435826621C1301B) **Video:What is the difference between hypertension and high blood pressure?** * * * Last Reviewed: Aug 14, 2025 [![Image 21: X formerly known as Twitter](http://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Feature/Navigation/Social/x_color.svg?h=54&iar=0&mw=1910&w=54&sc_lang=en)](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings)[![Image 22: Facebook](http://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Feature/Navigation/Social/facebook.svg?h=52&iar=0&mw=1910&w=52&sc_lang=en)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings)[![Image 23: 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Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure) * [Your Guide to Understanding Blood Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/blood-pressure-explained) * [What is High Blood Pressure?](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure) * [High BP Top 10](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10) * [All About Heart Rate](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse) * [Low Blood Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low) * [Resistant Hypertension](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/resistant-hypertension--high-blood-pressure-thats-hard-to-treat) * [Pulmonary Hypertension](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/pulmonary-hypertension-high-blood-pressure-in-the-heart-to-lung-system) * [Common High BP Myths](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/common-high-blood-pressure-myths) * [Understanding Blood Pressure Readings](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings) * [Home Blood Pressure Monitoring](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home) * [When To Call 911](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/when-to-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure) * [Know Your Risk Factors](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure) * [Symptoms of High Blood Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/what-are-the-symptoms-of-high-blood-pressure) * [High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-in-children) * [High Blood Pressure Among Black Adults](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-among-black-adults) * [Health Threats from High BP](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure) * [How High BP Can Lead to a Heart Attack](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-a-heart-attack) * [How High BP Can Lead to Heart Failure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-heart-failure) * [High BP and Your Kidneys](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-and-your-kidneys) * [How High BP Can Lead to Stroke](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-stroke) * [How High BP Can Lead to Vision Loss](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-vision-loss) * [How High BP Can Affect Your Sex Life](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-affect-your-sex-life) * [How to Manage High Blood Pressure](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure) * [Healthy Diet](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet) * [Shaking the Salt Habit](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure) * [Potassium Benefits](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure) * [Limiting or Avoiding Alcohol](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/limiting-alcohol-to-manage-high-blood-pressure) * [Getting Active](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/getting-active-to-control-high-blood-pressure) * [Managing Stress](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-stress-to-control-high-blood-pressure) * [Managing Weight](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-weight-to-control-high-blood-pressure) * [Smoking](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/smoking-high-blood-pressure-and-your-health) * [Managing Medications](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-high-blood-pressure-medications) * [Types of Medications](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications) * [Your Healthcare Team](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/your-health-care-team) * [Find High BP Tools and Resources](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/find-high-blood-pressure-tools--resources) * [Blood Pressure Health Lesson](http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/find-high-blood-pressure-tools--resources/high-blood-pressure-health-lesson) Related Articles [![Image 27: Man checking blood pressure at dining room table](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/Man-checking-blood-pressure.jpg?h=682&w=1024&sc_lang=en&hash=D0243BE9EACDF8C12B0CD1050D57205D) Top 10 Things to Know About the AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10) [![Image 28: senior woman holding head](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/senior-woman-holding-head.jpg?h=533&w=800&sc_lang=en&hash=CD52945FE68D901D00066C86CDDA8B0F) Low Blood Pressure - When Blood Pressure Is Too Low](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low) [![Image 29: Two fingers on wrist checking the pulse](http://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/Hand-on-wrist-checking-pulse.jpg?h=567&w=850&sc_lang=en&hash=0B65A4A5E822C025E773BBD4BF3DFDF3) All About Heart Rate](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse) ## Support That Empowers Managing high blood pressure or any chronic condition is more manageable when you have 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Join our online community of other individuals who know what you are going through and can help you on your journey. [Find encouragement](https://supportnetwork.heart.org/ "Find encouragement") ![Image 30: Older and younger female looking at tablet](http://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/High-Blood-Pressure/Tylenol-HBP/Watching-a-video-with-mom.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mw=600&w=500&sc_lang=en) ![Image 31: Woman reading Heart Insight on tablet](http://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Images/Health-Topics/Main-Landing/Heart-Insight--form.jpg?h=534&iar=0&mw=2000&w=800&sc_lang=en) ## Be inspired and stay informed. Heart Insight® e-news is our trusted, award-winning monthly publication for people living with heart disease, their families and caregivers. Don’t miss an issue. Subscribe today! 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