Blood Pressure Chart: Normal, Elevated and High Ranges Explained
Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 118/76 mmHg. The first (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats; the second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. This chart shows what the numbers mean and what to do next.
Blood pressure chart (adults)
| Category | Systolic (top) | Diastolic (bottom) | What it means | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (hypotension) | below 90 | or | below 60 | Fine for many people; a concern if you feel dizzy or faint. |
| Normal | below 120 | and | below 80 | Keep up heart-healthy habits. |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | below 80 | Likely to progress without lifestyle changes. |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 | Lifestyle changes; medication depending on overall risk. |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher | Usually lifestyle changes plus medication. |
| Hypertensive crisis | above 180 | and/or | above 120 | Wait 5 minutes and re-measure. If still this high, or you have symptoms, seek emergency care. |
Categories follow the 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association guideline, which is also what Pulse Tracker uses to classify your readings. European guidelines use slightly different cut-offs (hypertension starts at 140/90) and grades 1 to 3.
A single reading is not a diagnosis. Blood pressure swings with stress, caffeine, a full bladder, talking and even the time of day. Doctors look at the pattern across many readings, ideally including home measurements.
How to measure blood pressure correctly at home
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff. Wrist cuffs are less reliable.
- No caffeine, exercise or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand. Empty your bladder.
- Sit with your back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed, for 5 quiet minutes.
- Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level. Do not talk.
- Take two readings a minute apart and record both.
- Measure at the same times each day, usually morning before medication and evening.
Logging each reading in a blood pressure app rather than on paper gives you averages, trends and something easy to show your doctor.
What raises blood pressure
- Excess salt, alcohol and body weight
- Inactivity and poor sleep, including sleep apnoea
- Chronic stress
- Smoking and nicotine
- Some medicines: NSAIDs, decongestants, some antidepressants and contraceptives
- Kidney disease, thyroid and adrenal conditions, and genetics
Lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure
| Change | Typical systolic reduction |
|---|---|
| Losing excess weight | about 1 mmHg per kg lost |
| DASH-style diet (vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy, less saturated fat) | up to 11 mmHg |
| Reducing sodium to under 1,500 mg a day | 5 to 6 mmHg |
| 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise | 5 to 8 mmHg |
| Limiting alcohol (1 drink a day for women, 2 for men) | about 4 mmHg |
| Slow breathing practice, 10 to 15 minutes a day | a few mmHg, and helps before readings |
Figures from the ACC/AHA guideline summary of trial evidence. Effects add up when combined.
When to seek help
Book an appointment if home readings are consistently 130/80 or higher. Seek emergency care for readings above 180/120 with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking.
Related: Normal resting heart rate · Blood pressure monitor app · Stress monitor
Wellness disclaimer. Pulse Tracker is intended for general wellness use only. It is not a medical device, is not FDA cleared or approved, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Blood pressure shown in the app is either a value you entered from your own cuff or an estimate derived from the pulse signal after cuff calibration; it is not a measurement and must not be used to make medical decisions. Read the full wellness disclaimer. Camera readings, estimates and classifications are for general information only and can be affected by movement, lighting, skin temperature and other factors. Do not use them to diagnose, treat or make decisions about a medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, and call emergency services if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or other urgent symptoms.
Blood pressure FAQ
Is 120 over 80 normal blood pressure?
Under the current American Heart Association categories, normal is below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic, so 120/80 sits exactly at the line between Normal and Elevated. Many clinicians would call it fine, but it is a good moment to keep an eye on trends.
Is 130 over 85 high?
Yes. 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic is Hypertension stage 1. One reading is not a diagnosis; a doctor will look at several readings over time.
Which number matters more, systolic or diastolic?
Both matter. For adults over 50, systolic is usually the stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk; in younger adults, diastolic is often more important. Your category is set by whichever number is higher.
How often should I check blood pressure at home?
If you are monitoring a diagnosis or new medication, twice a day (morning and evening), two readings each time, for 7 days before an appointment is a common recommendation. Otherwise a few times a week at a consistent time is plenty.
Can stress raise blood pressure?
Temporarily, yes, by 10 to 20 mmHg or more. Chronic stress and the habits that go with it can contribute to sustained high blood pressure.
Keep a blood pressure journal on your iPhone
Free to download. Classify every reading, track trends and share them with your doctor.
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