Blood pressure levels: What’s normal, high, and low

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Rebecca Davis

Understand normal blood pressure readings and what to do if your results are too high or low

Key takeaways

Normal blood pressure: A healthy blood pressure reading is generally considered to be below 120/80 mm Hg.
High blood pressure: Blood pressure is typically classified as high when readings reach 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Extremely high readings, such as above 180/120 mm Hg, may be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
Low blood pressure: Blood pressure is often considered low when readings fall below 90/60 mm Hg. However, whether it is a concern depends on the presence of symptoms and the individual’s overall health situation.

A blood pressure reading like 118/76 or 142/90 can be difficult to understand if you are unfamiliar with what the numbers represent. Each blood pressure measurement includes two values, and both play an important role in determining whether your blood pressure falls within a normal range, is elevated, high, dangerously high, or low.

This guide breaks down the different blood pressure categories and explains what each level means, including when it may be necessary to seek medical advice.

WHAT DO BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS MEAN?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood as it pushes against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is represented by two numbers. The systolic pressure (the top number) shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood, while the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. Both measurements provide important information about the health of your heart and blood vessels.

A single blood pressure reading does not always provide a complete picture of your health because blood pressure can naturally change throughout the day. For this reason, healthcare providers usually evaluate multiple readings taken at different times before making a diagnosis. In a clinical setting, blood pressure is typically measured after a person has been seated and resting calmly for several minutes to help ensure a more accurate result.

BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS CHART

The American Heart Association (AHA) classifies adult blood pressure readings as normal, elevated, Stage 1 hypertension, Stage 2 hypertension, severe hypertension, or hypertensive emergency. The chart below also includes hypotension, generally defined as blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg, to show the full range of blood pressure levels.

Blood Pressure Categories

Category	Systolic Pressure (mm Hg)	Diastolic Pressure (mm Hg)
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)	Less than 90	Less than 60
Normal Blood Pressure	Less than 120	Less than 80
Elevated Blood Pressure	120–129	Less than 80
Stage 1 Hypertension	130–139	Or 80–89
Stage 2 Hypertension	140 or higher	Or 90 or higher
Severe Hypertension (If you do not have symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for medical guidance)	Higher than 180	And/or higher than 120
Hypertensive Emergency (Call 911 if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking)	Higher than 180	And/or higher than 120

Source: American Heart Association Blood Pressure Guidelines

Even if a person feels completely fine, their blood pressure readings can still provide important information about potential heart health risks. When systolic and diastolic numbers fall into different blood pressure categories, the reading is classified according to the higher category.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health complications even without noticeable symptoms. These risks may include stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and atrial fibrillation, according to Edward LaPorta, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer of Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia.

Severe hypertension and a hypertensive emergency can have similar blood pressure readings, but the key difference is the presence of symptoms. If someone has a blood pressure reading above 180/120 mm Hg along with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or trouble speaking, they should seek emergency medical care immediately.

This chart is intended for general educational purposes only. A licensed healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate hypertension treatments and medications based on an individual’s health needs.

WHAT IS NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE?

Normal blood pressure is generally defined as a reading below 120 mm Hg systolic and below 80 mm Hg diastolic. However, blood pressure is not constant and can naturally fluctuate throughout the day due to factors such as physical activity, stress, caffeine intake, and the time of day.

According to Stacie Pinderhughes, MD, Senior Medical Director at Arizona Priority Care, a single blood pressure reading does not provide the full picture because daily changes are normal. Instead of focusing on one reading that may be slightly higher or lower, it is more helpful to track multiple readings over time and look at the overall average.

People with normal blood pressure should continue maintaining healthy habits to support heart health. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and following other lifestyle choices that help promote long-term cardiovascular wellness.

WHAT COUNT AS LOW BLOOD PRESSURE?

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines low blood pressure, or hypotension, as a reading below 90/60 mm Hg. However, having a low blood pressure reading does not always mean there is a health problem. According to Dr. LaPorta, whether low blood pressure is concerning depends largely on whether the person is experiencing symptoms. Some individuals with naturally low blood pressure may feel well and continue their normal daily activities without any issues.

Possible symptoms of low blood pressure may include:

Confusion
Dizziness
Nausea
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Fatigue
Neck or back pain
Headaches
Blurred vision or other vision changes
Heart palpitations

Low blood pressure can occur due to several factors, including dehydration, certain medications, prolonged periods of bed rest or standing, pregnancy, heart or endocrine conditions, Parkinson’s disease, low blood sugar, or diabetes.

In more serious situations, conditions such as septic shock, severe allergic reactions, or significant blood loss can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

You should contact a healthcare provider if your blood pressure suddenly decreases or if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fainting. Seek emergency medical attention if there are signs of shock, a severe allergic reaction, or major blood loss.

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a reading of 130 mm Hg or higher for systolic pressure or 80 mm Hg or higher for diastolic pressure. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults (48%) have high blood pressure.

Stage 1 hypertension occurs when systolic pressure is between 130–139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure is between 80–89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension is classified as a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher. Stage 2 hypertension is considered more serious and often requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to help manage blood pressure levels.

High blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” According to Dr. Stacie Pinderhughes, uncontrolled hypertension can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and difficulties with memory and thinking. Because hypertension symptoms may not appear until blood pressure becomes dangerously high, regular blood pressure monitoring is important for early detection and management.

Most cases of high blood pressure do not have a specific identifiable cause and are known as primary or essential hypertension. However, secondary hypertension may develop due to underlying conditions such as kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, endocrine disorders, blood vessel problems, certain medications, or pregnancy-related complications.

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing hypertension include having a family history of high blood pressure, following a high-sodium diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking.

WHAT ARE DANGEROUS BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS?

Blood pressure can become dangerous when it rises to extremely high levels or falls low enough to limit blood flow to important organs. A significant drop in blood pressure may prevent the brain and other vital organs from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, fainting, or shock. On the other hand, severely elevated blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Severe hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading with a systolic pressure above 180 mm Hg and/or a diastolic pressure above 120 mm Hg. When severe hypertension occurs without signs of immediate organ damage, it may be referred to as hypertensive urgency.

A hypertensive emergency occurs when extremely high blood pressure is accompanied by symptoms that may indicate damage to vital organs, including:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Back pain
Numbness
Weakness
Vision changes or blurred vision
Difficulty speaking

If you have severely high blood pressure without symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for medical guidance. If your blood pressure is extremely high with any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately.

A medical evaluation is important to determine the cause of dangerously high blood pressure and begin appropriate treatment. In cases of hypertensive emergency, healthcare providers may use intravenous (IV) medications to carefully lower blood pressure over a period of 24 to 48 hours while monitoring the patient closely.

DOES BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE?

Blood pressure can naturally change as a person gets older. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), age is one of the factors that can influence blood pressure levels. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report published in 2020 showed that hypertension becomes more common with age among U.S. adults.

Between 2017 and 2018, high blood pressure affected approximately:

22.4% of adults ages 18–39 (about 1 in 4 people)
54.5% of adults ages 40–59 (about 1 in 2 people)
74.5% of adults ages 60 and older (about 3 in 4 people)

Research examining blood pressure trends through 2018 also found an association between increasing age and higher average blood pressure readings. Older adults who maintained normal blood pressure levels were more likely to follow healthy lifestyle habits and were less likely to have related health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Blood Pressure Ranges by Age Group

Age Group	Average Systolic Pressure (mm Hg)	Average Diastolic Pressure (mm Hg)
18–44 years	116	70
45–64 years	125	74
65–74 years	131	69
75 years and older	138	64

Source: American Journal of Hypertension

Blood pressure levels are interpreted differently for children compared with adults. For children under 13 years old, blood pressure readings are evaluated based on factors such as age, sex, and height percentiles rather than using the same fixed ranges applied to adults.

For adolescents 13 years and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend using standardized blood pressure thresholds that are similar to adult guidelines.

A pediatric healthcare provider should review and interpret any concerning blood pressure readings in children and teenagers to determine whether further evaluation or follow-up is needed.

BLOOD PRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY

Regular blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy is important because high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious complications, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, and preterm delivery.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure along with protein in the urine or other signs of organ problems. If preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia, it can cause seizures and requires immediate medical attention.

According to Dr. Stacie Pinderhughes, blood pressure can naturally change during pregnancy. “During a healthy pregnancy, blood pressure often decreases slightly during the middle of pregnancy and then typically returns closer to a person’s usual level by the end,” she explains. However, some pregnant individuals may develop conditions such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can pose risks to both the pregnant person and the baby and require careful monitoring.

The American Heart Association defines hypertension during pregnancy as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, while readings of 160/110 mm Hg or higher are considered severe.

For individuals with chronic hypertension, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends using 140/90 mm Hg as the threshold for healthcare providers to consider starting or adjusting blood pressure medication during pregnancy.

HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TREATED

The 2025 AHA/ACC high blood pressure guidelines recommend managing hypertension through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication.

For Stage 1 hypertension, healthcare providers typically recommend lifestyle adjustments first and may consider adding medication depending on an individual’s overall risk of heart disease or stroke. Factors that may influence treatment decisions include existing conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.

Stage 2 hypertension generally requires a more intensive approach, including blood pressure medication along with lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure can play an important role in managing hypertension and supporting overall heart health. These changes may include:

Maintain or reach a healthy weight: Achieving a healthy weight can help reduce strain on the heart and improve blood pressure levels.
Follow a heart-healthy eating plan: A diet such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can help support healthy blood pressure.
Reduce sodium intake: Limiting salt in your diet may help prevent increases in blood pressure.
Increase potassium intake: Eating potassium-rich foods may help balance sodium levels and support healthy blood pressure.
Engage in regular physical activity: Start with moderate exercise, but always consult your healthcare provider before beginning or changing an exercise routine.
Manage stress: Finding healthy ways to reduce stress can contribute to better blood pressure control.
Limit or avoid alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption may help improve blood pressure levels.

Additional strategies that may support healthy blood pressure include avoiding tobacco products, including vaping, and getting enough high-quality sleep. Dr. Stacie Pinderhughes also recommends addressing sleep-related conditions, such as sleep apnea, when present.

“These lifestyle changes are often recommended for people with mildly elevated blood pressure and remain important even for those who need medication,” Dr. Pinderhughes explains.

MEDICATION THERAPY

Medication therapy may be recommended for individuals with Stage 1 hypertension depending on their overall health risks and is generally recommended for those with Stage 2 hypertension.

Common first-line blood pressure medications include:

Thiazide diuretics: These medications help the body remove excess sodium and fluid, which can help lower blood pressure. An example is hydrochlorothiazide.
Calcium channel blockers: These medications help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. One example is amlodipine.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medications help prevent blood vessels from narrowing, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. One example is lisinopril.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications help relax blood vessels by blocking the effects of certain hormones that can increase blood pressure. One example is valsartan.

Treatment goals can vary depending on factors such as a person’s age, overall health, and other medical conditions. According to Dr. Stacie Pinderhughes, healthcare providers typically evaluate the person’s complete health profile rather than focusing only on a single blood pressure reading.

In general, the goal for many adults is to maintain blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. Some people may need to take blood pressure medication long term to keep their condition controlled. Hypertension resources and financial assistance may also help individuals manage treatment costs.

HOW IS LOW BLOOD PRESSURE TREATED

Treatment for low blood pressure (hypotension) depends on the underlying cause and whether symptoms are present. According to Dr. Edward LaPorta, one of the first steps is reviewing any medications that may be contributing to low blood pressure. If a medication is the cause, a healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative treatment.

Other ways to help raise blood pressure may include:

Drinking more fluids to help increase blood volume
Increasing salt intake only under the guidance of a healthcare provider
Standing up slowly to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure
Wearing compression stockings or an abdominal binder to improve circulation
Treating underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders or low blood sugar

For some individuals, medication may be needed. Dr. LaPorta explains that certain medications can help increase blood pressure by tightening blood vessels or helping the body retain salt and fluids. Midodrine is approved for treating symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, while fludrocortisone may be prescribed off-label in some cases.

Orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg in systolic pressure or 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure within three minutes of standing.

People with low blood pressure who do not experience symptoms may not require treatment. However, anyone who experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure or develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider for evaluation. Treatment options depend on the specific cause and are discussed further in this guide to low blood pressure treatments and medications.

EXPERT TAKEAWAY

“Normal blood pressure can vary from person to person and may not be exactly the same for everyone,” says [Karen Berger, Pharm.D.], a member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board. “It’s important to discuss your blood pressure readings with your healthcare provider to understand what range is considered healthy and appropriate for your individual needs.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the new normal blood pressure for seniors?

There is no specific “new normal” blood pressure range for older adults. For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading is still considered below 120/80 mm Hg—meaning the systolic pressure is under 120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is under 80 mm Hg—regardless of age.

What’s stroke-level blood pressure?

“Stroke-level blood pressure” is not a formal medical term, but a reading above 180/120 mm Hg can be life-threatening, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.

What is a dangerously low blood pressure for a woman?

There is no different low blood pressure threshold specifically for women. A reading below 90/60 mm Hg is generally considered low and may become concerning if it decreases suddenly or is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or fainting.

What causes high blood pressure?

Most cases do not have one specific identifiable cause. However, several factors may increase the risk of developing the condition, including age, family history, a diet high in sodium, lack of physical activity, smoking, certain health conditions, and the use of some medications.

What causes low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure can result from factors such as dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, pregnancy, diabetes, or heart-related conditions. In more serious cases, severe infections or severe allergic reactions may cause a sudden and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Source: SingleCare

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