Blood Pressure Checker
Enter your blood pressure reading to see your category and health recommendations.
This tool is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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This tool categorizes your blood pressure reading based on guidelines from the American Heart Association. It tells you whether your reading falls in the normal, elevated, or high blood pressure range, and provides general recommendations for each category.
- Enter your systolic pressure. This is the top number on your blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. A typical reading ranges from 90 to 180 mmHg.
- Enter your diastolic pressure. This is the bottom number. It measures the pressure between heartbeats when your heart is resting. A typical reading ranges from 60 to 120 mmHg.
- Read your category. The tool instantly shows your blood pressure category, the normal ranges for each number, and a health recommendation based on your reading.
For the most accurate results, take your reading at the same time each day while sitting quietly for at least five minutes. Use the Share button to send your reading to your doctor, or Copy to paste it into a health log. Remember that a single reading is just a snapshot. Track your blood pressure over time for a complete picture.
About Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) over diastolic (when the heart rests between beats), measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHg means 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It often has no symptoms, which is why it is called the "silent killer." Regular monitoring helps catch problems early. The AHA defines five categories: Normal (below 120/80), Elevated (120-129 / below 80), High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (130-139 / 80-89), High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (140+ / 90+), and Hypertensive Crisis (above 180/120).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure for adults is a systolic reading below 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading below 80 mmHg. This is often written as "less than 120/80 mmHg." Maintaining blood pressure in this range significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What do the numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?
The top number (systolic) measures the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood. The bottom number (diastolic) measures the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. Both numbers are important. If either number is too high, your blood pressure is considered elevated or high.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
The AHA recommends that adults with normal blood pressure have it checked at least once a year during a regular health visit. If your reading is elevated or high, your doctor may recommend checking more frequently, such as daily at home. Consistent tracking helps identify trends and evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medication.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure develops over time and can be caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, poor diet (especially high sodium intake), being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Genetics, age, and certain medical conditions also play a role. In most cases, there is no single identifiable cause, which is why it is called primary or essential hypertension.