Blood Pressure Test
What do the test results mean?
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure
reading greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure reading greater than 90 mm Hg.
The National Institutes of Health has further defined high blood pressure. These categories are for people 18 years and over, who are not taking medication for high blood pressure and who do not have a short-term serious illness. These categories are as follows:
Normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure under 130, and a diastolic pressure under 85.
High normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 130 to 139, and a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89.
Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 140 to 159, and a diastolic pressure of 90 to 99.
Stage 2 high blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 160 to 179, and a diastolic pressure of 100 to 109.
Stage 3 high blood pressure is a systoliC pressure of 180 or above, or a diastolic pressure of 110 or above.
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