Blood pressure numbers -
What do they mean?
The nurse removes the blood pressure cuff and announces your blood pressure numbers. At this point, many of us wonder, or ask, "Is that normal?" On this page, you'll find an explanation of blood pressure and a chart of healthy and elevated readings.
There are two blood pressure numbers that are measured: the top number or systolic pressure and bottom number or diastolic pressure. The top number (systolic pressure) is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the force of the blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats.
Both numbers are important, but according to the U.S National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the top (systolic) number is especially important for people middle aged or older. The top (systolic) reading gives a better diagnosis of high blood pressure for this group.
The NHLBI advises that if systolic pressure (top number) is left uncontrolled (above 140) it can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney damage and blindness.
Blood pressure chart
There are four categories of blood pressure levels: healthy, prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension and stage 2 hypertension. These categories are oulined in the chart below.
- Healthy blood pressure: Top number (systolic) below 120; bottom number (diastolic) below 80
- Prehypertension: Top number is 120-139; bottom number is 80-89
- Stage 1 hypertension: Top number is 140-159; bottom number is 90-99
- Stage 2 hypertension: Top number is 160 or more; bottom number is 100 or more
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The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or diagnose or treat any health condition. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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