Is a blood pressure of 143/80 dangerous?

Tem Tuapati

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Lives in Suva, Fiji (2000–present) Nov 24

Is a blood pressure of 143/80 dangerous?

Not really.

Basically, a BP reading will give two numbers; one on top, one at the bottom. The unit is mmHg (millimeters of mercury)

The one at the top is your SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE. Normal range as per the 2025 American Heart Association Guideline is <130 mmHg. Previous guidelines uses <140mmHg as being the normal range. As per the 2025 guideline, any systolic BP reading between 130 - 140 mmHg warrants lifestyle modifications (SNAPS: Smoking, Nutrition. Alcohol, Physical activity, Stress). Any BP reading >140mmHg, will need commencement of oral antihypertensives.

The number at the bottom is your DIASTOLIC pressure. Normal range should be <80mmHg.

In total, a BP reading of 143/80 mmHg is NOT dangerous, but it does need a repeat BP measurement after ~4 hours for a diagnosis of hypertensive to be made and early commencement of aanti-hypertensives.

For more information, head on down to my quora account page.

Malo.