Two numbers, one story. Systolic is the pressure while the heart contracts; diastolic is the pressure while it rests between beats.
The categories
Normal is under 120/80. Elevated is 120–129 with diastolic under 80. Stage 1 hypertension is 130–139 or 80–89. Stage 2 is 140 or higher, or 90 or higher. A reading over 180 or 120 is a crisis — call your doctor.
Why categories matter more than one reading
A single reading can be off by 10 mmHg for reasons that have nothing to do with your health. The category your readings fall into over a week is the number your doctor acts on.
Not a diagnosis
Home readings are for monitoring. Discuss unusual results with your physician and never change medication on your own.
