Understanding Your Readings
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Most Important Things to Know:
Blood pressure ranges tell us your risk of health problems. At 120/80 and below, your risk is low. As numbers go up, your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage increases. That's why keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is so important.
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You may need a lower target range if you have health problems like diabetes. These health problems make your body more sensitive to high blood pressure.
Keep taking your blood pressure medicine even when your numbers are good. The medicine is what's keeping your blood pressure low. You might need less medicine if you make lifestyle changes.​
If you're pregnant: High blood pressure is more dangerous. Seek care if either number is more than 140/90. Learn more about high blood pressure & pregnancy
What You'll Learn on This Page:
Blood Pressure Ranges
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Home vs doctor's office:
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Most people have higher blood pressure at the doctor's office​
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This is why the two ranges are different
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Pregnancy:
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High blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous
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Before 20 weeks pregnant: Blood pressure ranges are the same as all adults
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20 weeks or more pregnant: High blood pressure can be caused by the pregnancy
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Important: These blood pressure ranges are for adults.
Blood Pressure Ranges
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Home vs doctor's office:
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Most people have higher blood pressure at the doctor's office​
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This is why the two ranges are different
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Pregnancy:
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High blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous
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Before 20 weeks pregnant: Blood pressure ranges are the same as all adults
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20 weeks or more pregnant: High blood pressure can be caused by the pregnancy
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Explore the ranges for all three categories below. Use the drop down menu to learn more about each range.​
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Important: These blood pressure ranges are for adults.
Grade 2 Hypertension
You have concerning symptoms: Get emergency help
You feel normal: Call your doctor today
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Top Number: 160 or More
OR
Bottom Number: 100 or More
Grade 1 Hypertension
Top Number: 135 - 159
OR
Bottom Number: 85 - 99
High-Normal
This is new: Talk to your doctor. Pick one daily change for better blood pressure
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You're treating high blood pressure: Keep up the good work! Don't stop taking your medicine. It's what's keeping your blood pressure low.​
Top Number: 120 - 134
OR
Bottom Number: 80 - 84
Normal
Keep up the good work!
Top Number: 119 or Less
AND
Bottom Number: 79 or Less
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
You have mild symptoms - Talk to your doctor
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You have concerning symptoms - Get help right away
Based on how you feel. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or weak.
Get help if you pass out or these symptoms are really bad.
Learn About Each Blood Pressure Category
Normal Blood Pressure
What this means: Your blood pressure is low enough to protect your body.
Important: Blood pressure can be too low. Get help right away if you:
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Pass out or feel like you might pass out
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Feel confused
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Feel very dizzy or sick
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Can’t drink water
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What’s next?
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Keep taking any medicines you're prescribed
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Eat healthy foods
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Stay active
High-Normal Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure is a bit high. This means it's a warning sign. You can make changes now to prevent high blood pressure later.
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If you're getting treated for high blood pressure: Your blood pressure goal might be in the “high-normal” zone. If so, good job! Keep following your doctor’s advice. Remember, blood pressure goals are not one-size-fits-all. Your doctor will help you know what's right for you. Even lowering your top number by 5 can help.
What this means:
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You might get high blood pressure in the future (called hypertension)
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Your blood pressure could be dangerous if you have other health problems like diabetes
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What's next?
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See a doctor to get personalized health advice
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Take any medicine your doctor prescribed​
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Think about one or two lifestyle changes you can make​
Grade 1 Hypertension
Your blood pressure is higher than it should be. Over time, this puts stress on your body parts like your heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys.
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Important: Don't worry! You can make changes to protect yourself. Even lowering your top number (systolic) by 5 may help.
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What this means:
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Your home readings show high blood pressure.
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You should see a doctor. They'll check if anything else is wrong and if your home readings are right.​​​
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What's next?
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Make a doctor’s appointment
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Take any medicine your doctor prescribed
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Think about one or two lifestyle changes you can make​
Grade 2 Hypertension
Your blood pressure is very high. Over time this puts stress on your heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys.
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Important: But don’t worry! You can make changes to protect yourself. Even lowering your top number (systolic) by 5 may help.
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When to get help: If you have concerning symptoms like a bad headache, pain in your chest or back, difficulty moving or talking. Learn more about when to get help
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What this means:
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Your home readings show very high blood pressure.
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You should see a doctor soon. They'll check if anything else is wrong and if your home readings are right.
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Your doctor will likely give you medicine to lower your blood pressure. This protects your body from damage. But you can still make changes in your life to lower your blood pressure. This can help you take less medicine. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.
What's next?
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Make a doctor’s appointment
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Take any medicine your doctor prescribed
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Think about one or two lifestyle changes you can make​
Gestational Hypertension
What: 2 or more measurements where either number is more than 140/90
(Each measurement should have 4 or more hours between them)
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When: After you've been pregnant for 20 weeks or more​​
Pregnancy starts
20 weeks
Birth
Why: Doctors aren't sure why some pregnant people get high blood pressure. They think it may be because of the placenta not working as well as it should.
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What does it feel like?
You usually can't feel high blood pressure. That's why checking it regularly is so important.
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What this means:
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Your blood pressure might be high enough to hurt you and your pregnancy
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Your baby may not weigh as much as they should
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You may go into labor early (your baby will be born early, called preterm)
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Rarely, high blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to death of the baby or the pregnant person​​​
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If you get medical care, you and your pregnancy will usually be healthy. Your doctor will make sure your blood pressure doesn't get too high.
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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a dangerous health problem that can happen during pregnancy.
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What:
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2 or more measurements where either number is more than 140/90
(Each measurement should have 4 or more hours between them)
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Damage to important body parts like the kidneys
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When:
After you've been pregnant for 20 weeks or more
Up to 6 weeks after giving birth
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Pregnancy starts
20 weeks
Birth
6 Weeks
​Why: Doctors aren't sure why some pregnant people get preeclampsia. It may happen due to problems with the blood vessels going to the baby's sack (called a placenta).
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Who's at risk:
People who are more likely to get preeclampsia have:
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High blood pressure before they get pregnant​
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Had preeclampsia before
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Diabetes
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Kidney problems
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Autoimmune disease (like lupus)
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A pregnancy with more than one baby (such as twins)
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What does it feel like?
​You may not be able to feel it. Or you may notice:
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Sudden worse swelling of feet, face or hands
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Headache that will not go away
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​Seeing spots, things looking blurry, or other problems with seeing
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Pain in the top part of your belly
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Pain in your shoulder that feels different than normal
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Feeling like you're going to throw up or throwing up (after you are pregnant 20 weeks or more)
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Trouble breathing
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Very high blood pressure (top number more than 160 or bottom number more than 110)
Many pregnant people get headaches and belly pain. It can be hard to know if it's normal or not. If you're not sure or worried at all, call your doctor. It's better to call and find out everything is okay than to wait too long to get help.​​​​​​​​​​​​
If you think you have preeclampsia, seek emergency care. Preeclampsia can get dangerous very quickly.
Written by:
Last Updated: January 16, 2025
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.