Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure

In adults, the ideal top number (systolic pressure) should be less than 120 mmHg. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) should be less than 80 mmHg.

Prehypertension:

• Top number is consistently 120 to 139 or the bottom number reads 80 to 89.

Stage 1: Mild high blood pressure:

• Top number is consistently 140 to 159 or the bottom number reads 90 to 99.

Stage 2: Moderate to severe high blood pressure:

• Top number is consistently 160 or over or the bottom number reads 100 or over.

Low blood pressure (hypotension):

• Top number reading lower than 90 or pressure 25 mmHg lower than usual

Blood pressure readings may be affected by many different conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Kidney and urological disorders
• Pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
• Psychological factors such as stress, anger, or fear
• Various medications
• "White coat hypertension" may occur if the medical visit itself produces anxiety

Images

Blood pressure

Effects of age on blood pressure

Blood pressure check

Blood pressure

Review Date: 05/23/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)