Blood Pressure Category
Check your blood pressure category and understand what it means for your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal blood pressure for an adult?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines: Normal is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated: systolic 120–129 and diastolic <80. Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89. Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/≥90. Hypertensive Crisis: >180/>120 — seek emergency care immediately.
What do the two numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?
Systolic pressure (the top number) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the pressure between beats when your heart rests. A reading of 120/80 means 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic.
What is pulse pressure and why does it matter?
Pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic (e.g. 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg). Normal range: 40–60 mmHg. Wide pulse pressure (>60 mmHg) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and may indicate arterial stiffness. Narrow pulse pressure (<25 mmHg) can signal reduced cardiac output or heart failure.
What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
MAP is the average pressure throughout each cardiac cycle: MAP ≈ diastolic + ⅓ × pulse pressure. A MAP of 60 mmHg is the minimum needed to perfuse vital organs. Normal MAP is 70–100 mmHg. ICU teams monitor MAP closely during critical illness.
How can I lower my blood pressure naturally?
Lifestyle interventions with proven BP-lowering effects: aerobic exercise (−5–8 mmHg), DASH diet (−11 mmHg), sodium reduction to <1.5g/day (−5–6 mmHg), weight loss (−1 mmHg per kg), limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and stress management. Each factor is cumulative — combining them can achieve reductions comparable to medication.