Blood pressure has two numbers: the top one (systolic) and the bottom one (diastolic). Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressure categories (AHA 2025)
| Category | Top number | Bottom number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | less than 80 |
| High blood pressure stage 1 | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 |
| High blood pressure stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Very high — urgent care | higher than 180 | and/or | higher than 120 |
One reading is not enough to know if you have high blood pressure: your cardiologist looks at the average over several days.
How to measure at home
- Use a validated upper-arm monitor with the right cuff size.
- No coffee, smoking or exercise for 30 minutes before. Empty your bladder.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes, back supported, feet flat, arm resting at heart level.
- Take 2 readings 1 minute apart, morning and evening, for 7 days.
- Write the values down or log them in the app and bring them to your visit.
When it is an emergency
If your blood pressure is above 180/120 and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, a severe headache, confusion, blurred vision or weakness on one side of the body, it is an emergency. Without symptoms, rest 5 minutes, measure again and contact your cardiologist the same day.