| Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers, systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The systolic, or top number, is the force of blood in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic is the force of blood pressure when the heart is at rest. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury, mm Hg. |  |
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| When the systolic pressure reading is greater than 140 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is greater than 90, the patient is said to have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous to a patient’s health and increases the risk of problems such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
Although high blood pressure can occur at any age, it’s most common among people over 35 years old. High blood pressure is more common in African Americans, obese people, the elderly and heavy drinkers. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or gout, along with some medications, such as prescription birth control pills, can also affect blood pressure. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT! – (512) 327-4886 American Heart Association Recommended Blood Pressure Levels |
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| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (mm Hg) |
Diastolic (mm Hg) |
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| Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 |
| Pre-hypertension | 120–139 | or | 80–89 |
| High | |||
| Stage 1 | 140–159 | or | 90–99 |
| Stage 2 | 160 or higher | or | 100 or higher |
*Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.