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Blood-pressure readings are expressed in two numbers that reflect the pressure on artery walls when the heart contracts. Turn to Table 4-3 for information on what your blood pressure reading means.

TABLE 4-3 Blood Pressure Reading

Blood Pressure Classification	Systolic (Top Number)		Diastolic (Bottom Number)
Normal	Less than 120	and	Less than 80
Elevated	120 to 129	and	Less than 80
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1	130 to 139	or	80 to 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2	140 or higher	or	90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (consult your doctor immediately)	Higher Than 180	and/or	Higher than 120

New guidelines for blood pressure readings were issued by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other health organizations in 2017. These new guidelines lowered the thresholds for blood pressure readings. Health officials recognize a category for blood pressure called elevated. If the top (or systolic) number in your blood pressure reading is between 120 and 129 and if the bottom (or diastolic) number is less than 80, you have elevated blood pressure. Elevated is a blood pressure that doesn’t require treatment with medication but still can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. These guidelines along with medication when indicated encourage you to make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking, or reducing alcohol intake. A dietary approach known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean Diet have been shown to reduce blood pressure. The low-carb Whole Foods Weight Loss Eating Plan described in this book incorporates the principles of the DASH Diet and the Mediterranean Diet.