People with persistent blood pressure of 130/80 or higher have high blood pressure (hypertension). A person can have high blood pressure if either the top (systolic) or the bottom (diastolic) number reaches the limit.

Doctors use the average of 2 or more blood pressure readings. These readings must be taken on 2 or more occasions when you are sitting and relaxed. High blood pressure is when the average of these readings is 130/80 or more.

High Blood Pressure Category Definitions

Table 1: High Blood Pressure Category Definitions from the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines

Less Pressure, More Health!