Blood Pressure Chart: What Your Numbers Mean
Based on the American Heart Association's 2017 guidelines — the same categories SnapSana uses to classify every reading you log.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | and | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Below 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Above 180 | or | Above 120 |
What each category means
Normal: Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg. No action needed beyond maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Elevated: Systolic between 120–129 with diastolic below 80. Often the point where lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sodium reduction) are recommended before it progresses.
Hypertension Stage 1: 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and, depending on your overall cardiovascular risk, medication.
Hypertension Stage 2: 140/90 or higher. Usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Hypertensive Crisis: Above 180 systolic or above 120 diastolic. This needs immediate medical attention — contact your doctor or emergency services, especially if you also have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes.
How a reading is categorized
A reading is classified by whichever number — systolic or diastolic — falls into the higher category. For example, 128/84 mmHg is Stage 1, because the diastolic reading (84) falls in the Stage 1 range, even though the systolic reading (128) alone would only be Elevated.
A note on single readings vs. trends
One high reading doesn't necessarily mean you have high blood pressure — stress, caffeine, a recent workout, or even "white coat syndrome" at the doctor's office can temporarily raise your numbers. What matters most is the pattern over multiple readings, taken at consistent times, over days and weeks.
This chart is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Only a doctor can diagnose high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about your readings and what they mean for you.