Blood pressure categories
Blood pressure is sorted into categories by the higher of its two numbers. This site uses the international categories of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) 2023 and shows the US categories alongside.
| Category | Systolic / diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|
| Ideal (optimal) | < 120 and < 80 |
| Normal | 120–129 and/or 80–84 |
| High normal | 130–139 and/or 85–89 |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 140–159 and/or 90–99 |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 160–179 and/or 100–109 |
| Hypertension stage 3 | ≥ 180 and/or ≥ 110 |
| Low blood pressure | systolic < 90 or diastolic < 60, the other number not raised |
The higher category of the two numbers counts. Low means systolic below 90 or diastolic below 60 while the other number is not raised; a reading such as 128/50 counts as normal by its upper number, and the page for it notes the low lower number. Sources: ESH 2023 guideline · AHA/ACC 2025 guideline.
Ideal Blood Pressure (Below 120/80): What It MeansAn ideal or optimal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. What it means for your risk, how to keep it there and when a low-normal reading becomes too low.
Normal Blood Pressure (120–129 / 80–84)120–129 systolic and/or 80–84 diastolic is normal by international guidelines but already "elevated" or stage 1 in the US. What it means.
High Normal Blood Pressure (130–139 / 85–89)High normal blood pressure is the step before hypertension. Why it matters, when treatment is considered and the lifestyle changes that bring it down.
Hypertension Stage 1 (140–159 / 90–99): What to DoStage 1 (grade 1) hypertension means 140–159 systolic or 90–99 diastolic. How it is confirmed, your risk, lifestyle steps and when medication starts.
Hypertension Stage 2 (160–179 / 100–109)Stage 2 (grade 2) hypertension: 160–179 systolic or 100–109 diastolic. Why treatment usually starts right away, typical medication and how fast to act.
Hypertension Stage 3 (180/110 and Above): Act NowReadings of 180 systolic or 110 diastolic and above are grade 3 hypertension. When it is an emergency, which symptoms need 911 and what happens next.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Below 90/60When low blood pressure is harmless and when it is not: causes, orthostatic hypotension, symptoms that need a doctor and practical tips against dizziness.