You’ve probably had your blood pressure checked during a routine doctor’s visit or at your local pharmacy—but what do those numbers actually mean? If you’ve ever looked at the results and felt confused by terms like “systolic,” “diastolic,” or “stage 1 hypertension,” you’re not alone. Understanding your blood pressure is an important step in managing your overall health, and we’re here to help break it down.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it through your body. It’s measured using two numbers:

Systolic (top number): This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

Diastolic (bottom number): This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

What the Numbers Mean

Here’s a simple breakdown of the American Heart Association’s blood pressure categories:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg

Elevated: Systolic between 120–129 and diastolic less than 80

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: Systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120 (requires immediate medical attention)

Even small changes in your numbers can signal the need for lifestyle changes or medical treatment. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s sometimes called the "silent killer."

Why It Matters

High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if left unmanaged, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss. On the other hand, keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can lower your risk of these complications and improve your overall quality of life.

The good news? High blood pressure is both preventable and manageable. Regular monitoring and small changes to your routine can make a big difference.

How West Side Pharmacy Can Help

At West Side Pharmacy, we’re more than just a place to fill prescriptions—we’re your health partners. We offer free blood pressure checks and can help you track your readings over time. If you’re on medication for blood pressure, our pharmacists can help you understand how it works, when to take it, and what side effects to watch for. We also offer medication consultations and pre-packaged doses through our RxONE program to help you stay consistent with your treatment plan.

Know Your Numbers, Know Your Health

Taking charge of your blood pressure starts with understanding what the numbers mean. By keeping track, asking questions, and making informed choices, you can protect your heart and live healthier every day. Stop by West Side Pharmacy to get your blood pressure checked or speak with one of our friendly pharmacists—we’re here to help you every step of the way.