What would be considered a high blood pressure reading?

A high blood pressure reading is typically defined as having a systolic pressure (the first number) of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic pressure (the second number) of 80 mmHg or higher. In this case, the reading of 140/80 fits this definition since the systolic pressure of 140 is greater than 130 mmHg, classifying it as high blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines.

The other readings presented are below the threshold for high blood pressure. A reading of 120/70 is considered normal, 130/75 is still under the threshold for high blood pressure because while the systolic is at the cutoff, the diastolic reading is below 80, and 110/60 is also considered normal to low normal in the blood pressure range. Hence, the reading of 140/80 clearly illustrates the condition of high blood pressure as established by the guidelines.