Blood Pressure Ranges: What Your Numbers Mean
Published Apr 13, 2026 · 6 min read
Blood pressure is written as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). Systolic is the pressure when your heart beats; diastolic is between beats.
Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | <80 |
| High BP Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| High BP Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | >180 | >120 |
Evidence-Based Ways to Lower BP
- Reduce sodium to <2,300mg/day (ideally <1,500mg)
- Exercise 150 min/week of moderate activity
- Maintain healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
- Limit alcohol to 1 drink/day (women) or 2 (men)
- DASH diet: rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Try it: Use our Blood Pressure Calculator to classify your reading and see risk factors.