Question 1

What is considered normal blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

According to the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, normal blood pressure is a systolic reading below 120 mmHg AND a diastolic reading below 80 mmHg. If either number is higher, the reading falls into a higher category. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, so a single reading may not represent your true average. Multiple readings taken at different times provide a more accurate picture.

Question 2

What changed in the 2017 blood pressure guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines lowered the definition of hypertension from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. This change was based on evidence showing that cardiovascular risk increases significantly above 130/80. The update added a new "Elevated" category (120-129/below 80) and split hypertension into Stage 1 (130-139/80-89) and Stage 2 (140+/90+). As a result, approximately 46% of U.S. adults now qualify as having high blood pressure.

Question 3

How should I measure my blood pressure at home?

Accepted Answer

For accurate home readings, sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring. Use a validated upper-arm cuff monitor, not a wrist monitor. Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arm supported at heart level. Do not smoke, exercise, or consume caffeine for 30 minutes before measuring. Take 2-3 readings one minute apart and record the average. Measure at the same times each day.

Question 4

When should I seek emergency care for blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

A hypertensive crisis is a systolic reading above 180 mmHg and/or diastolic above 120 mmHg. If you get this reading, wait 5 minutes and measure again. If it remains this high, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you have symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, numbness, or confusion. Hypertensive emergencies can cause stroke, heart attack, and organ damage.

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