Normal blood pressure for adults is below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 180/120 or higher is severely elevated: if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking, call 911. The same categories apply to all adults, regardless of age.
Blood pressure chart for adults
| Category | Top number (systolic) | Bottom number (diastolic) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | and | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120 – 129 | and | Below 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe hypertension | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
If your two numbers fall in different categories, the higher category applies.
Is “normal” blood pressure different by age?
No. Blood pressure tends to rise as people get older, so average readings are higher in older adults, but the categories and the health risks of high blood pressure are the same for every adult. Your clinician may set a personal treatment target based on your age, other conditions and how you tolerate medication.
When is high blood pressure an emergency?
If you get a reading of 180/120 or higher:
- With symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking: call 911. Do not wait to see if it comes down.
- Without symptoms: sit quietly for about five minutes and measure again. If it is still 180/120 or higher, contact your healthcare provider right away.
How to get an accurate home reading
- Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes before.
- Sit with your back supported and feet flat for five minutes.
- Rest your arm at heart level and use the correct cuff size on bare skin.
- Take two readings a minute apart and record both.
Bring your log and your cuff to your next visit so we can check its accuracy. Read more in what your blood pressure numbers mean.
How high blood pressure is managed
Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes: less sodium, more vegetables and fruit, regular activity, limiting alcohol, better sleep and weight loss if needed. Many people also need medication. See managing high blood pressure in Sugar Land.
How Voss Family Clinic helps
Our team checks blood pressure at every visit, reviews your home readings, adjusts treatment, and schedules follow-up until your blood pressure is at goal. Learn about our chronic disease management.
Frequently asked questions
Is 130/80 high blood pressure?
Yes. A reading of 130/80 falls in stage 1 hypertension. Your clinician will look at repeated readings and your overall risk before deciding on treatment.
Is 140/90 dangerous?
It is stage 2 hypertension. It is usually not an emergency on its own, but it raises the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease and should be treated.
Worried about your readings? Request a blood pressure check at our Sugar Land clinic. For severe readings with symptoms, call 911.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health concerns. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Sources
- American Heart Association: Understanding blood pressure readings
- AHA/ACC Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (current edition)