Blood Pressure Checker
Enter your blood pressure reading to understand what it means and get personalised advice. Based on the 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines.
Blood Pressure Categories
Understanding your blood pressure reading
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is measured with two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) is the force when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the lower number) is the force when your heart rests between beats. A reading of 120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80.” Both numbers matter, and either one being high can indicate a problem.
Why blood pressure matters
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms yet steadily damages your arteries, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes over time. Left untreated, it is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. The encouraging news is that hypertension is manageable — and often preventable — through lifestyle changes and, where needed, medication. Knowing your numbers is the first step.
What affects your reading
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. It rises with physical activity, stress, caffeine, a full bladder and even the act of talking. It is typically lower during sleep. Because of this, a single high reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Doctors usually confirm a diagnosis using several readings taken on different days. For an accurate measurement, sit quietly for five minutes beforehand, keep your feet flat on the floor, and support your arm at heart level.
How to keep your blood pressure healthy
Lifestyle has a powerful effect on blood pressure. Reducing salt intake, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking and managing stress can all lower your numbers — sometimes enough to avoid medication. The DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is specifically designed to help. If your readings stay high despite these changes, your doctor can prescribe effective, well-tolerated medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
A normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Readings of 120-129 systolic and below 80 diastolic are considered elevated, while 130/80 or higher is classified as high blood pressure (hypertension) under the ACC/AHA guidelines.
Sources & References
- 1.American Heart Association (AHA). Understanding Blood Pressure Readings.
- 2.Whelton PK, et al. (ACC/AHA). 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults.
- 3.World Health Organization. Hypertension fact sheet.
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Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are not a medical diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest hospital immediately.