CATEGORIES FOR BLOOD PREASURE

Categories for Blood Pressure
Levels in Adults
(Ages 18 Years and Older)
Blood Pressure Level (mmHg)
Category Systolic Diastolic
Normal < 120 and < 80
Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1 Hypertension 140–159 or 90–99
Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or 100

Legend
< means LESS THAN
means GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO
When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).