What Is Considered High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure readings have two numbers. The top number, or systolic pressure, measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in arteries between heartbeats. 

A top number below 120 mmHG (millimeters of mercury) and a bottom number below 80 mmHG are considered normal. Elevated and high blood pressure ranges are as follows:

• Elevated blood pressure: 120–129 mmHG and below 80 mmHG
• Stage 1 hypertension: 130–139 mmHG or 80–89 mmHG
• Stage 2 hypertension: 140 mmHG or higher or 90 mmHG or higher