Stages of High Blood Pressure

Doctors group blood pressure into categories. Exact cut-offs differ between guidelines, so use your own doctor's targets.

Common categories (adults, in mmHg)

• Normal: below about 120/80
• Elevated: about 120 to 129 over below 80
• Stage 1 hypertension: about 130 to 139 or 80 to 89 in some guidelines. Others begin at 140/90.
• Stage 2 hypertension: about 140/90 or higher
• Hypertensive crisis: above about 180/120. With chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, confusion, vision change or severe headache, this is an emergency.

Diagnosis

One high reading does not confirm hypertension. Doctors usually repeat the measurement on separate days, and may use home or 24-hour monitoring.

What the stage means

• Elevated or stage 1: lifestyle change is the first step, and medicines may be added based on overall heart risk.
• Stage 2: medicines are usually advised along with lifestyle change.
• Crisis: urgent treatment.

Stages of damage over time

If pressure stays high, the heart, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels can be gradually affected, often without symptoms.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts do not use these categories. Ayurvedic ideas about stages are interpretive.

Key point

Your targets depend on age, diabetes, kidney disease and other risks. Ask your doctor for yours.

Before your appointment

Bring your home blood pressure log, with dates and times. List all medicines and supplements, including painkillers, herbal products and any Ayurvedic preparations. Note symptoms such as headache, chest pain or breathlessness, family history, salt intake, alcohol, sleep and any pregnancy plans. Ask about your target pressure, tests, medicines and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.