Blood Pressure Checker & Hypertension Risk Tool
Check your blood pressure reading against NHS and international categories. Understand your hypertension stage and what action is recommended.
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Blood Pressure Guide
What should I know about NHS Blood Pressure Categories?
Optimal: below 120/80 mmHg. Normal: 120-129 / 80-84 mmHg. High normal: 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) Stage 1: 140-159 / 90-99 mmHg. Stage 2: 160-179 / 100-109 mmHg. Stage 3 / Severe: 180+/110+ mmHg. Hypotension (low BP): below 90/60 mmHg — may cause dizziness. Isolated systolic hypertension: systolic ≥ 140, diastolic < 90 — common in older adults. Note: a single high reading is not a diagnosis of hypertension. Readings vary throughout the day. Diagnosis requires repeated readings over time, or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, rather than a single measurement, since blood pressure naturally fluctuates.
Why Blood Pressure Matters?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the leading preventable cause of: stroke (1.5× risk at 140 vs 120 mmHg). Heart attack and coronary artery disease. Heart failure. Kidney disease. Vascular dementia. Risk doubles for every 20/10 mmHg increase above 115/75 mmHg. Hypertension is often asymptomatic — 'the silent killer.' In the UK: approximately 1 in 4 adults has high blood pressure. Only half are diagnosed. Of those diagnosed, fewer than half are treated to target. Home monitoring: recommended for anyone diagnosed with or at risk of high blood pressure, since it gives a more representative picture than occasional GP readings alone.
What should I know about Lifestyle Changes?
Evidence-based lifestyle interventions for reducing blood pressure: DASH diet: a dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, low in saturated fat and sodium. Reduces systolic BP by 8-14 mmHg on average. Salt reduction: reducing daily sodium to under 2.4g (6g salt) reduces systolic by 2-8 mmHg. UK average intake: approximately 8.4g/day — significantly above recommended levels. Exercise: 150+ minutes moderate aerobic activity per week reduces systolic by 4-9 mmHg.
What's the key thing to understand about Measuring Accurately?
To get an accurate blood pressure reading: sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring. Arm at heart level, uncrossed legs, back supported. Use validated monitor (BHS approved list). Cuff must fit correctly — too small gives falsely high readings. Take 2-3 readings, 1-2 minutes apart, and average. First reading is often highest — discard it. Do not smoke, exercise, or have caffeine within 30 minutes. Morning readings: before medication, after emptying bladder, before breakfast. Evening readings: before dinner and any evening medication, ideally at a similar time each day for consistency.