Q: What is a normal blood pressure reading? What does “borderline” mean?

•A:  Normal blood pressure is below 130 systolic and 85 diastolic.  Many physicians believe that the healthiest blood pressure is below 120/80.  Borderline blood pressure (also called pre-hypertension or high-normal blood pressure) usually refers to systolic BP between 130 and 139 and/or diastolic BP between 85 and 89.  Readings above 139/89 are considered high.