What does an elevated blood pressure indicate if the systolic pressure is 120 to 129 mm Hg?

An elevated blood pressure reading that indicates a systolic pressure of 120 to 129 mm Hg is classified as elevated blood pressure. This classification signifies that while the blood pressure is not yet high enough to be categorized as hypertension, it is higher than what is considered normal.

Normal blood pressure is generally defined as having a systolic reading less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic reading less than 80 mm Hg. The range of 120 to 129 mm Hg serves as a warning sign that individuals may be at risk for developing hypertension in the future if lifestyle changes or interventions are not implemented.

Recognizing this category is important for encouraging individuals to adopt healthy behaviors to maintain or improve their blood pressure levels, thereby preventing progression into higher stages of hypertension. Understanding these classifications helps both healthcare providers and patients manage cardiovascular health proactively.