Normal: It is important to note that blood pressure varies from
person-to-person depending on a variety of factors. Keeping this in mind, an ideal blood pressure reading is
considered to be 120/80.
High Normal: If you fall into the high normal range your blood pressure
readings may range from 130/85 to 139/85.
Stage One Hypertension: If you fall in this category your blood pressure readings
will range from 140/90 to159/99. At
this stage your physician may recommend some lifestyle changes. They include: losing weight, exercise,
quitting smoking, dietary and alcohol restrictions. If these modifications to not lower your blood pressure readings
your family physician may prescribe medication.
Stage Two Hypertension: If you have blood pressure reading in the range of 160/100 to
179/109 you have Stage Two Hypertension. Stage Two Hypertension is usually
caused by another health problem. Some
red flags to alert you to the possibility of Stage Two Hypertension are: blood
pressure increases suddenly, increased blood pressure occurs before the age of
30 or after the age of 55, after a period of good control blood pressure rises
rapidly, blood pressure is consistently measured at 180/110 and blood pressure
medications do not control your hypertension.
Stage Three Hypertension: A blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher places you in
the Stage Three Hypertension range. If your blood pressure reading is this high
you need to seek medical attention immediately.