For example, if your blood pressure reading is 125/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), you may have stage 1 hypertension. If your systolic and diastolic readings fall into two different categories, your correct blood pressure category is the higher category. Here's a look at the four blood pressure categories and what they mean for you. An accurate measurement determines what kind of treatment you may need. To get an accurate blood pressure measurement, your health care provider typically considers the average of two or more blood pressure readings from three or more office visits. Increased blood pressure may be categorized as elevated, stage 1 or stage 2 depending on the specific numbers. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories.
