Blood pressure report · US guideline
My Blood Pressure is 122/36 - good or bad?
Each scale rates one number on its own; the higher category counts. Blue = low (systolic under 90 or diastolic under 60) — a common label, not an AHA/ACC category.
Measure again now
If the reading is real and you feel faint, confused, short of breath, or cold and clammy, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. Otherwise contact a doctor today.
What this reading tells you
Your upper number has moved past 120 while the lower number is still under 80. Think of it as an early signal rather than a disease: people in this range are more likely to develop hypertension within a few years, and it is the easiest point to reverse.
Your diastolic number (36) is below 60 — on its own that would count as low — while the other number sets the category, and the gap between the two is wide (86 mmHg). Mention this combination to your doctor. Because the diastolic number is very low, follow the box above.
Know your numbers
The average pressure that keeps your organs supplied — diastolic plus one third of the gap. On the low side — just under the typical range of 70–100.
Wide. A gap above 60 usually means the large arteries have lost some elasticity — common after 60 and a reason to keep the systolic number in check.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which lifestyle change would help me most?
- When should we re-check — and should I measure at home?
- Is my 10-year heart risk worth calculating?
Your 7-day home check
One reading can mislead. Measure twice each morning (before medication and coffee) and evening for a week, skip day 1, and average the rest. Print this log or copy it. How to measure: How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home.
| Day | AM 1 | AM 2 | PM 1 | PM 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1* | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 |
AM = morning, PM = evening, two readings one minute apart. *Day 1 is practice — leave it out of the average.
Print this page · Bring the log to your doctor if your readings stay low or you have symptoms.
Look up another reading
Readings close to 122/36
Sources: 2025 AHA/ACC high blood pressure guideline (Hypertension 2025;82:e212–e316) · American Heart Association: When to call 911 about high blood pressure
MyBodyResearch explains readings in general terms; it does not diagnose. High blood pressure is confirmed with repeated measurements, and treatment decisions belong with your doctor.