What you need to know:
The first number (systolic) reflects the pressure in your arteries as the heart contracts.
As you can see in the chart above, normal systolic blood pressure is below 120.
A systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 means you have prehypertension, or borderline high blood pressure.
A systolic blood pressure number of 140 or higher is considered to be hypertension, or high blood pressure.
The second number (diastolic) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests.
A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80.
A diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 indicates prehypertension.
A diastolic blood pressure number of 90 or higher is considered to be hypertension or high blood pressure.
The two numbers are impacted by a number of things such as diet and lifestyle as well as stress.
Keeping your blood pressure under control is an indicator of good health, so do get your own blood pressure checked regularly.
