Stage 1 high blood pressure is the early, milder stage of high blood pressure. It is defined as persistent blood pressure of 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic (top number) OR 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number) – 130/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg. This means if either the top number or bottom number falls within the range, you may have Stage 1 high blood pressure.
Table 1: Stage 1 High Blood Pressure Definition from the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines
Your doctor will measure your blood pressure on several days or visits to find out if your blood pressure stays high over time. Your doctor may also ask you to take and track your blood pressure at home. If the average numbers are 130 to 139 mm Hg systolic (top number) OR 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number), you may have Stage 1 high blood pressure.
Finding out you have high blood pressure early lets you start lowering your high blood pressure early. Lowering your blood pressure can help prevent damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. It can prevent serious disease.
Less pressure, more health!