Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, causes your heart to work harder than normal to pump blood. Get a blood pressure test and look at your numbers to see if you’re at risk for health problems related to high blood pressure.
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (1st Number) | Diastolic (2nd Number) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | less than 120* | less than 80* |
| Prehypertension | 120–139 | 80–89 |
| High | ||
| Stage 1 | 140–159 | 90–99 |
| Stage 2 | 160 or higher | 100 or higher |
*All figures measured in mm/Hg (millimeters/mercury). Source: The American Heart Association.