Blood Pressure 160 Over 43–159: Which Are OK?

With an upper value of 160, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.

On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 160 mmHg is Hypertension stage 2 by the international categories (2023 ESH guideline) and Stage 2 hypertension under the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline. The worse of your two numbers decides the category, so a raised diastolic (lower) value moves a 160 reading up: from 160/110 it counts as stage 3. Readings below 160/100 have a pulse pressure above 60 mmHg — a wide gap that is common after 60 and worth mentioning to your doctor.

Blood pressure chart with the row for an upper value of 160: which lower values are ideal, normal, high normal or hypertension

Hypertension stage 2 160/43 to 160/109

↓ = the lower number is below 50: these readings count as stage 2 by the upper number, but the low lower number needs checking — see each page.

Hypertension stage 3 160/110 to 160/159

What to do with a reading of 160 over …

Measure at home for 7 days, morning and evening, and take the average to your doctor. A home average of 135/85 or more confirms high blood pressure. From 160/110 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 160/43 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.

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