What Is Blood Pressure?
 

 

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers—the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The measurement is written one above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example, a blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed verbally as "120 over 80."
 

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
 

Blood Pressure Level (mmHg)
 

(Ages 18 Years and Older)
 

 

Normal Systolic < 120
 

Normal Diastolic < 80
 

 

High Systolic 140–159
 

High Diastolic 90–99
 

 

Stage 2 Hypertension Systolic>160
 

Stage 2 Hypertension Diastolic >100
 

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 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).
 

High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action.