Hypertension is diagnosed using a blood pressure measurement. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is classified into stages:
Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic 80-89 mm Hg Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic 90 mm Hg or higher
