What Is Normal Blood Pressure? Reading Your Numbers

Blood pressure is one of the most important health numbers — understand it in 5 minutes.

The Two Numbers

• Systolic (top): pressure when the heart beats
• Diastolic (bottom): pressure when the heart rests

Standard Ranges

Reading (sys/dia)	Category
Below 120/80	Normal
120-129 / below 80	Elevated
130-139 or 80-89	Stage 1 hypertension
140+ or 90+	Stage 2 hypertension

How to Measure Accurately

• Rest 5 minutes before measuring
• No coffee/smoking 30 minutes prior
• Take 2 readings 1 minute apart, average them
• Measure at the same time daily

Managing Pressure

Cut salt, exercise 30 min/day, sleep well, eat vegetables — reduces heart attack and stroke risk.

Check Your Category

Use our Blood Pressure Calculator — enter your numbers, get your category instantly. Free.