How it works
Blood pressure is written as two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure between beats). Under the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline, below 120/80 is normal, 120–129 systolic is elevated, 130–139 or 80–89 is stage 1 and 140/90 or higher is stage 2. Some Indian and European guidelines still define hypertension from 140/90, so ask your doctor which targets apply to you.
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, yet it is a leading driver of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease in India. For an accurate home reading: sit quietly for five minutes, back supported, feet flat, arm resting at heart level, and take two readings a minute apart.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal blood pressure by age?
The healthy target for adults of all ages is generally below 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure tends to rise with age, but that does not make higher readings harmless; your doctor may set a personal target.
When is high blood pressure an emergency?
A reading above 180/120 with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, weakness, confusion or vision or speech problems needs emergency care. Call 108 or 112.