Elevated blood pressure (BP) is above normal blood pressure. It is not high blood pressure yet. It is defined as 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic (top number) and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number).

Elevated Blood Pressure

Table 1: Elevated Blood Pressure Definition from the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines

To tell if you have elevated blood pressure, your doctor will measure your blood pressure on several days or visits. Your doctor may also ask you to take and track your blood pressure at home. If the average numbers are 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic (top number) AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number), you may have elevated blood pressure.

Even though you don’t have high blood pressure yet, it is never too early to start lowering your blood pressure. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys. The damage may start at elevated blood pressure levels. Lowering blood pressure can prevent serious disease before they even start.

Lower your BP and stay healthy!