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Hi Lynndajoi,   The Joint National Committee defines four blood pressure categories. Very High Range - Stage 2 HypertensionSystolic (top) blood pressure 160 mm Hg or highDiastolic (bottom) blood pressure 100 mm Hg or higher If in this range you have hypertension (high blood pressure). High Range - Stage 1 HypertensionSystolic (top) blood pressure 140 - 159 mm HgDiastolic (bottom) blood pressure 90 - 99 mm HgIf in this range you have hypertension (high blood pressure). Caution Range - PrehypertensionSystolic (top) blood pressure 120 - 139 mm HgDiastolic (bottom) blood pressure 80 - 89 mm Hg Take action! Normal Range - NormalSystolic (top) blood pressure below 120 mm HgDiastolic (bottom) blood pressure below 80 mm Hg Perfect!   So, your systolic reading of 144 puts you in the stage 1 hypertension category.  If you're not diagnosed with high blood pressure, I recommend being evaluated by your physician.   Typical adult heart rates range between 50-100, with the average being around 70 beats per minute.  Typically, the lower your heart rate the better.   All the best, Lisa Nelson RD 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure