Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with two numbers:
- Systolic (top number): Pressure during a heartbeat
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure between heartbeats
Categories
- Normal: Below 120/80
- Elevated: 120–129 / below 80
- High Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89
- High Stage 2: 140+ / 90+
- Crisis: 180+ / 120+ (seek emergency care)
High blood pressure (hypertension) increases risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It often has no symptoms, earning it the name "silent killer."