Translating Blood Pressure Numbers

Login to your account:

Don't have an account? Create one now! 

Questions? Call us toll-free at 1-888-345-4858

Translating Blood Pressure Numbers

Return to Health Info Home Page

Health and Fitness Information Center

Translating Blood Pressure Numbers, Part 2

Both systolic and diastolic readings are important, but diastolic pressure has traditionally been emphasized because it is less subject to fluctuations. However, recent studies have revealed that systolic pressure may be as significant a heart attack predictor as diastolic pressure.
Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal <120 <80
Normal <130 <85
High Normal 130 - 139 85 - 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99
Stage 2 160 - 179 100 - 109
Stage 3 > 180 > 110

Normal blood pressure is thus usually said to be 120/80 (systolic/diastolic) or less, measured in millimeters of mercury (abbreviated as mm Hg). What do blood pressure numbers indicate? The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating. The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 122/76 (122 over 76); systolic = 122, diastolic = 76. Blood pressure of less than 140 over 90 is considered a normal reading for adults. A systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic) is considered elevated (high).


In some people, the system that regulates blood pressure goes awry: arteries throughout the body stay constricted, driving up the pressure in the larger blood vessels. Sustained high blood pressure - above 140/90 mm Hg, according to most experts - is called hypertension. About 90 percent of all people with high blood pressure have "essential" hypertension - meaning that it has no identifiable cause. In the remaining 10 percent of cases, the elevated blood pressure is due to kidney disease, diabetes, or another disorder.

Back: Translating Blood Pressure Numbers, Part 1 Next: Related Terminology
Digital Blood Pressure MonitorDigital Blood Pressure Monitors

Taking your blood pressure is easy with an automatic blood pressure monitor. Simply wrap the cuff around your arm and with one button your blood pressure and pulse readings are displayed on the digital display.