Blood Pressure 125 Over 40–118: Which Are OK?
With an upper value of 125, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.
On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 125 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 125 reading up: from 125/85 it counts as high normal, from 125/90 it counts as stage 1, from 125/100 it counts as stage 2, from 125/110 it counts as stage 3. Readings below 125/65 have a pulse pressure above 60 mmHg — a wide gap that is common after 60 and worth mentioning to your doctor.
Normal 125/40 to 125/84
- 125/40 ↓
- 125/41 ↓
- 125/42 ↓
- 125/43 ↓
- 125/44 ↓
- 125/45 ↓
- 125/46 ↓
- 125/47 ↓
- 125/48 ↓
- 125/49 ↓
- 125/50
- 125/51
- 125/52
- 125/53
- 125/54
- 125/55
- 125/56
- 125/57
- 125/58
- 125/59
- 125/60
- 125/61
- 125/62
- 125/63
- 125/64
- 125/65
- 125/66
- 125/67
- 125/68
- 125/69
- 125/70
- 125/71
- 125/72
- 125/73
- 125/74
- 125/75
- 125/76
- 125/77
- 125/78
- 125/79
- 125/80
- 125/81
- 125/82
- 125/83
- 125/84
↓ = 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 1 125/90 to 125/99
Hypertension stage 2 125/100 to 125/109
What to do with a reading of 125 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 125/110 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 125/49 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.