Stage 2 high blood pressure is the moderate to severe level of high blood pressure. It is defined as persistent blood pressure (BP) of 140 mm Hg or higher systolic (top number) OR 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic (bottom number) ---≥ 140/90 mm Hg.

Stage 2 High Blood Pressure DefinitionTable 1: Stage 2 High Blood Pressure Definition from the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines

To diagnose Stage 2 high BP, your doctor will measure your blood pressure on several days or visits. Your doctor may also ask you to take and track your blood pressure at home. If the average numbers are 140 mm Hg or higher systolic OR 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic, you may have Stage 2 high BP. 

The sooner you know you have high blood pressure, the sooner you can start lowering it. Lowering your blood pressure can help prevent damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. It can prevent serious disease.

Lower your BP to stay healthy!