Blood pressure categories for adults
| Category | Top number (systolic) | Bottom number (diastolic) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | less than 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe hypertension | higher than 180 | and/or | higher than 120 |
Source: American Heart Association. The 2025 high blood pressure guideline from the AHA, the American College of Cardiology and other groups kept these categories. When the top and bottom numbers fall in different categories, the higher category applies.
How to read your numbers
- Systolic, the top number, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic, the bottom number, is the pressure between beats.
- Both are measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury). A reading of 128/82 is said "128 over 82".
Blood pressure by age
The categories above are the same for all adults. Average readings do rise with age, especially the top number. The table shows average readings from a large US survey, as context only: these are averages, not targets.
| Age | Men (average) | Women (average) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–39 | 119/70 | 110/68 |
| 40–59 | 124/77 | 122/74 |
| 60 and over | 133/69 | 139/68 |
Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Statistics Reports No. 35, mean blood pressure in US adults, 2001–2008 (mmHg).
Why one reading is not enough
Blood pressure changes from minute to minute: after coffee, stairs, a stressful call or a full bladder. That is why doctors ask for several readings on different days, and why home readings are so useful. The American Medical Association suggests 7 days of morning and evening readings, two each time, and then using the average.
Print a 7-day blood pressure logMorning and evening, two readings each, with a box for your average.Questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
For adults, the American Heart Association calls a reading below 120/80 normal: a top number under 120 and a bottom number under 80.
What if my top and bottom numbers are in different categories?
Use the higher category. For example, 125/85 counts as stage 1, because the bottom number is in the stage 1 range.
Does normal blood pressure change with age?
The categories are the same for all adults. Average readings do rise with age, which is why the table below shows averages by age as context, but your target comes from your doctor.
Is one high reading a diagnosis?
No. Blood pressure changes from minute to minute. Doctors diagnose high blood pressure from several readings on different occasions, often including a week of home readings.
When is blood pressure an emergency?
Above 180/120 is severe. Wait a minute and measure again. If it is still that high, contact your doctor right away. If you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, a change in vision or trouble speaking, call 911.
Sources
- American Heart Association. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
- 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension 2025;82(10):e212–e316
- Wright JD, et al. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults aged 18 and over in the United States, 2001–2008. National Health Statistics Reports No. 35, 2011
- American Medical Association. 7-step SMBP quick guide (self-measured blood pressure)
- American Heart Association. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home