Blood Pressure 126/80

A blood pressure reading of 126/80 indicates Pre-Hypertension or High Normal.

View the full blood pressure chart to learn more about blood pressure readings.

What does a blood pressure reading of 126/80 mean?

Readings between 120/80 and 139/89 indicate Pre-Hypertension or High Normal blood pressure. The good news is you don’t have hypertension. However, your blood pressure is higher than recommended for most adults.

Research suggests that people with pre-hypertension are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to those with lower blood pressure.

What to do if your blood pressure reading is 126/80

A blood pressure reading of 126/80 could be interpreted as warning sign since it’s on the high side of normal.

People with pre-hypertension often develop hypertension, so having your blood pressure checked regularly is important.

As an aside, home blood pressure monitors are amazingly affordable and great way to stay on top of your blood pressure. So invest in your health and check out Amazon’s best rated blood pressure monitors today.

Already on blood pressure medicine? If so, this level of blood pressure may be considered adequate, especially if your systolic (upper number) blood pressure is between 120 and 130.

Medications with Blood Pressure of 126/80

Most doctors don’t prescribe medication to treat pre-hypertension unless the patient has other medical conditions that would benefit from lower blood pressure. Instead, lifestyle changes including diet and exercise are recommended.

Lifestyle Changes with Blood Pressure of 126/80

Lifestyle modifications for those with a blood pressure of 126/80 include the following:

• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Increase exercise
• Lower salt intake
• Reduce caffeine
• Limit alcohol
• Alleviate stress

Review your medical plan with a doctor before pursuing lifestyle modifications since each patient may have specific medical conditions that make certain activities dangerous. For instance, your level of physical exercise might be limited by a heart condition.