Most people do not know the meaning of 120/80 or more accurately 120/80 mm Hg, a healthy blood pressure reading. A majority of Americans cannot tell you the threshold for a normal or healthy blood pressure, even though nearly half of all adults in the US have high blood pressure (hypertension) and the incidence increases as we age.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, increases the risk of heart failure, and leads to other poor health outcomes, especially in patients with heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
High blood pressure has no symptoms, so it is important to have your blood pressure measured and to take action if it is too high.
According to the American Heart Association, there are five blood pressure (BP) categories:
Normal (BP less than 120/80 mm Hg)
Elevated (BP of 120-129/80 mm Hg)
High Blood Pressure (Stage 1 Hypertension) (130-139/80-89 mm Hg)
High Blood Pressure (Stage 2 Hypertension) (140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg)
Hypertensive Crisis (higher than 180/higher than 120 mm Hg)
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The top number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in our arteries when our hearts beat. The second number is called diastolic blood pressure and measures the pressure in our arteries when our hearts are resting between beats.
Everyone with stage 1 hypertension should talk to their doctor about making lifestyle changes – eating a low sodium diet, limiting alcohol, being more physically active, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and quitting smoking. Medication is recommended for those with stage 2 hypertension and for some people with stage 1 hypertension.
Lowering blood pressure can help people stay healthy. Get your blood pressure checked often and, if needed, take steps to keep it in a healthy range.
