Understanding Normal Blood Pressure: What's the Ideal Range?

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mm Hg or higher.