Blood Pressure Range Checker
Enter your blood pressure reading to understand what it means. See your category, risk level, and guidance on when to seek medical advice.
What the Numbers Mean
Systolic (top number): pressure when heart contracts. Diastolic (bottom number): pressure between beats. Normal: under 120/80. Elevated: 120–129 / under 80. High Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89. High Stage 2: 140+ / 90+. Crisis: over 180/120 — seek urgent care.
When to Measure
Take readings when rested (5 minutes sitting quietly). Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes prior. Measure both arms initially — use the arm that consistently gives the higher reading. Multiple readings over time are more meaningful than a single measurement.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Lifestyle factors that lower blood pressure: reducing salt intake, increasing exercise, maintaining healthy weight, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and stress management. DASH diet has strong clinical evidence. For Stage 2 hypertension, medication is usually recommended alongside lifestyle changes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Calculator results are estimates based on population averages and statistical formulas — they are not medical diagnoses. Consult your GP if calculator results suggest a health concern, if you have symptoms requiring attention, or if you are managing a chronic condition where precise monitoring is important. Regular health checks (annual GP review, NHS Health Check for those aged 40-74) provide professional assessment using validated clinical tools. Use health calculators to inform conversations
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