Reply to an Answer

Hi Bob,   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!   A systolic (top number) blood pressure of 151 puts you in the stage 1 hypertension category, even though your diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure is good.   All the best, Lisa Nelson, RD 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure