Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of your heart health. Whether you're getting it checked at your local pharmacy or monitoring it at home, understanding your blood pressure numbers can help you take control of your well-being.
But what do those numbers really mean? And when should you be concerned? In this guide, we'll explain how blood pressure works, how to read the numbers, and what steps you can take to keep your readings in a healthy range.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is measured using two numbers:
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Systolic pressure (the top number): The pressure when your heart beats
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Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats
A typical reading looks like this: 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
Understanding the Numbers
The American Heart Association defines blood pressure categories to help people monitor their cardiovascular health. Here’s a general breakdown:
Normal Blood Pressure
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Less than 120/80 mmHg
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No action needed except maintaining healthy habits
Elevated Blood Pressure
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Systolic: 120–129 mmHg AND Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg
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Indicates a risk of developing high blood pressure if not addressed
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1
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Systolic: 130–139 mmHg OR Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg
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Lifestyle changes are recommended; some patients may need medication
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2
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Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher OR Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher
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Typically requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication
Hypertensive Crisis
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Systolic: higher than 180 mmHg AND/OR Diastolic: higher than 120 mmHg
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Requires immediate medical attention
Why Blood Pressure Matters
High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including: