What should your blood pressure be?

blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered to be normal.

For most people, high blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed if the top number is 140 mmHg or higher and/or the lower number is 90 mmHg or higher.

In people with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, the threshold for diagnosing hypertension is lower. They are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of high blood pressure, so their blood pressure needs to be more strictly controlled. In people with these conditions, a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or above is considered to be high.
 NB: Blood pressure is measured in units called “millimeters of mercury” or “mmHg” for short. The device traditionally used to measure blood pressure has a column filled with mercury, which rises and falls according to the pressure of blood in the arteries. This device is increasingly being replaced with one that measures blood pressure electronically.

Your blood pressure goal

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure it is important to know your blood pressure goal. This is the blood pressure you should aim for.

By reaching your blood pressure goal you will reduce your risk of:

• Stroke by 35–40%
• Heart attack by 20–25%
• Heart failure by more than 50%

For most people, the blood pressure goal is less than 140/90 mmHg. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, your blood pressure goal is less than 130/80 mmHg.

Your doctor or nurse can tell you your blood pressure goal.

Remember: High blood pressure is only well controlled if you reach and maintain your blood pressure goal.