Blood Pressure 122 Over 40–115: Which Are OK?
With an upper value of 122, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.
On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 122 mmHg is Normal by the international categories (2023 ESH guideline) and Elevated under the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline. The worse of your two numbers decides the category, so a raised diastolic (lower) value moves a 122 reading up: from 122/85 it counts as high normal, from 122/90 it counts as stage 1, from 122/100 it counts as stage 2, from 122/110 it counts as stage 3. Readings below 122/62 have a pulse pressure above 60 mmHg — a wide gap that is common after 60 and worth mentioning to your doctor.
Normal 122/40 to 122/84
- 122/40 ↓
- 122/41 ↓
- 122/42 ↓
- 122/43 ↓
- 122/44 ↓
- 122/45 ↓
- 122/46 ↓
- 122/47 ↓
- 122/48 ↓
- 122/49 ↓
- 122/50
- 122/51
- 122/52
- 122/53
- 122/54
- 122/55
- 122/56
- 122/57
- 122/58
- 122/59
- 122/60
- 122/61
- 122/62
- 122/63
- 122/64
- 122/65
- 122/66
- 122/67
- 122/68
- 122/69
- 122/70
- 122/71
- 122/72
- 122/73
- 122/74
- 122/75
- 122/76
- 122/77
- 122/78
- 122/79
- 122/80
- 122/81
- 122/82
- 122/83
- 122/84
↓ = the lower number is below 50: these readings count as normal by the upper number, but the low lower number needs checking — see each page.
Hypertension stage 1 122/90 to 122/99
Hypertension stage 2 122/100 to 122/109
What to do with a reading of 122 over …
Normal internationally, though above the ideal of under 120 (the US calls it elevated). Re-check once or twice a year and keep an eye on salt, weight and exercise. From 122/110 the lower number makes it stage 3: sit quietly for 5 minutes and measure again; if it stays at 110 or higher, contact a doctor the same day, and call 911 (US) or your local emergency number with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, confusion or a severe headache. A lower number below 50 (from 122/49 down) is clearly low: measure again, and if it is confirmed or you feel dizzy, faint or confused, contact a doctor the same day. Keep your readings in a free blood pressure log and read how to measure correctly.
Sources: ESH 2023 guideline · AHA/ACC 2025 guideline.