It's important to get an accurate reading under calm, quiet conditions. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted when blood is ejected into the arteries. When written as a fraction, the systolic blood pressure is the top number. Normal systolic blood pressure is mmHg or lower. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure blood exerts within the arteries between heartbeats. When written as a fraction, diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number.
Normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg or below. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings give important information about your health. However, systolic pressure is the number your doctor pays the greatest attention to if it is high. Dangerously high blood pressure, also known as a hypertensive crisis, is when systolic blood pressure the top number is or higher or diastolic blood pressure the bottom number is or more. Stage 1 hypertension is when the top number is between and mmHg, or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mmHg.
Stage 2 hypertension is when the top number is between and mmHg, or the bottom number is between 90 and mmHg. Looking to start a diet to better manage your high blood pressure? Our nutrition guide can help. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measure your blood pressure. Updated November 30, Wide pulse pressure: A clinical review. J Clin Hypertens. National Institutes of Health. Orthostatic hypotension. Genetics Home Reference.
Updated August 18, Hydration status and cardiovascular function. American Heart Association. Monitoring your blood pressure at home. Patient preferences for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices: Wrist-type or arm-type?
Shimosawa T, ed. Measurement of blood pressure in humans: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Blood Pressure Overview. Systolic Blood Pressure. Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Improving Accuracy. The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury. Mercury was used in the first accurate pressure gauges and is still used in medicine today as the standard unit of measurement for pressure. While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate pulse are two separate measurements.
Learn more about the difference between blood pressure and heart rate. Great job! Your blood pressure is normal. To keep your readings in this range, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. However, your numbers fall within the Elevated category, making you more likely to develop high blood pressure unless you take action to control it. Ready to make some small changes that have big impacts?
Healthy lifestyle choices are a great place to start. You are in the first stage of hypertension , but there are actions you can take to get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor will speak to you about small changes that can make a big difference and other BP Raisers. It looks like you have Stage 2 Hypertension. Your BP falls within the Hypertensive crisis category and requires immediate attention. If it remains high, contact your doctor immediately as you could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
High Blood Pressure. The reason for the difference in risk may be related to the force put on the arteries when blood rushes out of the heart. The new guidelines recommend you check your blood pressure often, ideally with a home monitor, to help your doctor determine if you need to make lifestyle changes, begin medication, or alter your current therapy.
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