Understanding Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
November 13, 2025
Blood pressure is a vital sign that tells us how hard our heart is working to circulate blood throughout the body. More specifically, it refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries and is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). When your blood pressure is consistently too high, it’s known as hypertension, a condition that can quietly damage your body for years before any symptoms become noticeable.
The numbers you see on a blood pressure reading, such as 112/78 mm Hg, represent two different measurements. The first, or upper number, is called systolic pressure. This is the force exerted when your heart beats, pushing blood through your arteries. The second, or lower number, is the diastolic pressure, which measures the force when your heart is resting between beats. Both numbers are equally important, and understanding their meaning can help you and your healthcare provider catch potential health issues early.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Some common symptoms to watch for include chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking. However, many people with high blood pressure may not notice any symptoms at all, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
The following table outlines the different blood pressure categories and their corresponding systolic and diastolic measurements.
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
Elevated | 120–129 | and | Less than 80 |
Stage 1 Hypertension | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
Stage 2 Hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
Severe Hypertension (If you don’t have symptoms*, call your health care professional) | 180 or higher | and/or | 120 or higher |
Hypertensive Emergency (If you have any of these symptoms*, call 911) | 180 or higher | and/or | 120 or higher |
Note. Adapted from American Heart Association (2025) **
Lifestyle plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and limiting salt intake can all help reduce your risk. If you are concerned about your blood pressure or experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consult your healthcare provider for advice on management and treatment.
** American Heart Association. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. American Heart Association. Published 2025. https://www.heart.org/bplevels
