4
Definitions and Classification of
Blood Pressure
Table 4. Categories of Blood Pressure in Adults*
BP category SBP DBP
Normal <120 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg
Elevated 120 to 129 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg
Hypertension
Stage 1 130 to 139 mm Hg or 80 to 89 mm Hg
Stage 2 ≥140 mm Hg or ≥90 mm Hg
*Adults with SBP and DBP in 2 categories should be designated to the higher BP category.
is table excludes individuals who are pregnant (see Section 5.5, "Hypertension and
Pregnancy").
BP indicates blood pressure (based on an average of ≥2 careful readings obtained on ≥2
occasions, as detailed in the "Evaluation and Diagnosis" section; DBP, diastolic blood
pressure; and SBP, systolic blood pressure.
Adapted with permission from Whelton et al. Copyright © 2018 American College of
Cardiolog y Foundation and American Heart Association, Inc.
Note: The numbering of the following tables and figures may differ from that of
the Clinical Practice Guideline.
Colors in tables and figures correspond to Class of Recommendations and
Level of Evidence tables on pages 86– 87.
2.1 Definition of High Blood Pressure
COR LOE
Recommendation
1 B-NR
1. In adults, BP should be categorized as normal, elevated, or stage
1 or 2 hypertension to prevent and treat high BP (Table 4).
