E-12
Assessing High Blood Pressure for Adults
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age or
gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note that other risk factors (e.g.
diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be taken into consideration and may affect these
figures. Consult with your physician for an accurate assessment.
JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
BP Classification
Systolic
(mmHg)
Diastolic
(mmHg)
Normal
< 120
and
< 80
Prehypertension
120-139
or
80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥ 160
or
≥ 100
SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on
Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for Adults.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
WHO Classification Table - for adults outside of the U.S. (e.g. Canada, Mexico)
BP Classification
Systolic
(mmHg)
Diastolic
(mmHg)
Optimal
< 120
and
< 80
Normal
< 130
or
< 85
High-Normal
130-139
or
85-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
160-179
or
100-109
Stage 3 Hypertension
≥ 180
or
≥ 110
SOURCE: Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or
gender, have been established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
