Systolic pressure is the highest measurement of pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.
Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction.
Usually written one before the other, such as 120/80
| Systolic | Diastolic | |
| 120 and below | 80 and below | Normal blood pressure |
| 120-139 | 80-89 | Pre-hypertension |
| 140-159 | 90-99 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 160 or more | 100 or more | Stage 2 hypertension |
