Blood Pressure 124 Over 40–110: Which Are OK?
With an upper value of 124, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.
On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 124 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 124 reading up: from 124/85 it counts as high normal, from 124/90 it counts as stage 1, from 124/100 it counts as stage 2, from 124/110 it counts as stage 3. Readings below 124/64 have a pulse pressure above 60 mmHg — a wide gap that is common after 60 and worth mentioning to your doctor.
Normal 124/40 to 124/84
- 124/40 ↓
- 124/41 ↓
- 124/42 ↓
- 124/43 ↓
- 124/44 ↓
- 124/45 ↓
- 124/46 ↓
- 124/47 ↓
- 124/48 ↓
- 124/49 ↓
- 124/50
- 124/51
- 124/52
- 124/53
- 124/54
- 124/55
- 124/56
- 124/57
- 124/58
- 124/59
- 124/60
- 124/61
- 124/62
- 124/63
- 124/64
- 124/65
- 124/66
- 124/67
- 124/68
- 124/69
- 124/70
- 124/71
- 124/72
- 124/73
- 124/74
- 124/75
- 124/76
- 124/77
- 124/78
- 124/79
- 124/80
- 124/81
- 124/82
- 124/83
- 124/84
↓ = 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 1 124/90 to 124/99
Hypertension stage 2 124/100 to 124/109
Hypertension stage 3 124/110
What to do with a reading of 124 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 124/110 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 124/49 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.