Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer".
American Heart Association (AHA) Categories
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: Systolic 120-129 AND diastolic < 80
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 OR diastolic 80-89
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic 140+ OR diastolic 90+
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic > 180 and/or diastolic > 120