Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against blood vessel walls. Blood pressure does not stay the same throughout the day, but increases and decreases in response to factors like stress, physical activity or rest and even eating certain foods such as those that contain a lot of salt. When blood pressure stays above normal, it is considered high blood pressure or hypertension. If high blood pressure is not controlled, it can lead to serious health conditions including heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and stroke. One in four adult Americans has high blood pressure yet, many people are unaware that they have it. It is important to have your blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep track of your numbers.

Blood Pressure Levels for Adults and Suggested Steps for Management
CategorySystolic BP* (mmHg)Diastolic BP** (mmHg)Management Steps
Normal < 120 and < 80 Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight Prehypertension
Pre-hypertension 120-139or 80-89Make changes in what you eat and drink, by physically active, and lose extra weight. If you have diabetes, see your doctor.
Hypertension Stage 1140-159or 90-99Consult with your doctor or other healthcare provider about controlling high blood pressure including how to make important lifestyle changes.
Stage 2> 160> 100

* “high number” measures blood pressure as the heart beats
** “low number” measures blood pressure as the heart relaxes between beats
Source: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; NIH Publication No. 03-5230,
National High Blood Pressure Education Program, May 2003