High blood pressure is a 'silent killer.' When left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health threats.

A target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mm Hg is recommended for adults with confirmed hypertension and cardiovascular disease, or a 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk of 10% or more.

Make changes that matter:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in salt.
2. Limit alcohol.
3. Enjoy regular physical activity.
4. Manage stress.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Take your medications properly.
8. Work together with your health care professional.

Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 with a diastolic pressure of less than 80.

Adults 18–79 y, primary SBP/DBP goal <140/90 mm Hg; if treatment well tolerated target SBP/DBP <130/80 mm Hg but not SBP <120 mm Hg or DBP <70 mm Hg. For adults with isolated systolic hypertension, target SBP lowering, albeit cautiously. In adults ≥80 y, target SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg, if well tolerated.

Make changes that matter:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in salt.
2. Limit alcohol.
3. Enjoy regular physical activity.
4. Manage stress.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Take your medications properly.
8. Work together with your health care professional.

Aim to eat a diet that's rich in:

1. Fruits.
2. Vegetables.
3. Whole grains.
4. Low-fat dairy products.
5. Skinless poultry and fish.
6. Nuts and legumes.
7. Non-tropical vegetable oils.

For most people, blood pressure readings should be lower than 140/90 mmHg when measured in the doctor's office. At home, your blood pressure should generally be below 135/85 mmHg.

Guidelines for blood pressure targets in older adults differ among medical organizations. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) updated their guidelines in 2017 to recommend men and women who are 65 or older aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

Table 5.1: Estimated Blood Pressure Ranges (mm Hg)

What is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?