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.
