Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
What the top and bottom numbers mean and the categories that guide care.
Systolic and diastolic
The top number is pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom number is pressure between beats. Both matter, though systolic becomes more important with age.
Categories
Normal is under 120/80. Elevated is 120 to 129 systolic with diastolic under 80, stage 1 is 130 to 139 or 80 to 89 and stage 2 is 140/90 or higher.
Measuring well
Sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat, arm at heart level, and avoid caffeine for 30 minutes. Take two readings a minute apart in the morning and evening for a week.
Try it: Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Diagnosis needs repeated readings on different days. Share your home readings with a clinician.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.