A "bad" blood pressure (BP) level is one that's considered high or hypertensive, significantly increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. This generally means readings consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic.
- Systolic pressure: The top number, representing the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, representing the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
The readings are expressed as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). Millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is the unit of measurement.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Categories
According to multiple sources like the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure), high blood pressure is categorized as follows:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129 systolic OR 80-89 diastolic
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 systolic OR 80-89 diastolic
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or higher systolic OR 90 or higher diastolic
- Hypertensive Crisis: Readings significantly higher than these values (consider a medical emergency).
Important Note: A single high reading doesn't necessarily indicate hypertension. Consistent readings are crucial for diagnosis. See your doctor for proper evaluation and management. Factors such as acute meal ingestion, caffeine, or nicotine use can affect BP readings (https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/hypertension/4-big-ways-bp-measurement-goes-wrong-and-how-tackle-them).
