Calculate your blood pressure category based on systolic and diastolic readings. Get instant results according to American Heart Association 2025 guidelines and personalized health recommendations.
Pressure when heart beats
Pressure between beats
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Systolic pressure measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls when it beats, while diastolic pressure measures the force between beats when your heart is resting.
Systolic Pressure (Top Number): Pressure when heart contracts and pumps blood
Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): Pressure when heart relaxes between beats
Measurement Unit: Millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
Systolic: Less than 120 mm Hg AND Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg
Maintain heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco.
Systolic: 120-129 mm Hg AND Diastolic: Less than 80 mm Hg
Take action to control your blood pressure through lifestyle changes. Without intervention, you're likely to develop hypertension.
Systolic: 130-139 mm Hg OR Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg
Your doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes and possibly medication depending on your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher OR Diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher
Your doctor will likely prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Systolic: Higher than 180 mm Hg AND/OR Diastolic: Higher than 120 mm Hg
This is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, call 911 immediately. If no symptoms, contact your healthcare provider urgently.
Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages, or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder and rest for 5 minutes before taking a reading.
Sit in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Keep your arm supported at heart level on a table or armrest. Don't cross your legs.
Use the correct cuff size for your arm. Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing. The bottom of the cuff should be placed just above the bend of your elbow.
Take 2-3 readings at least 1 minute apart and record all results. Don't talk during the measurement. Take readings at the same time each day for consistency.
Measure in the morning before taking medications and in the evening before dinner. Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally 1,500 mg for most adults. Read food labels, avoid processed foods, and don't add salt to meals.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure by 5-8 mm Hg.
Losing even 5-10 pounds can help reduce blood pressure. Every pound lost can lower blood pressure by approximately 1 mm Hg.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation: no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Smoking raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels. Quitting smoking improves overall cardiovascular health immediately.
Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or regular exercise.
Poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like sleep apnea can raise blood pressure. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Risk increases with age as arteries become stiffer. Men are at higher risk before age 64, while women are at higher risk after age 65.
High blood pressure tends to run in families. If your parents or close relatives have hypertension, your risk is higher.
High blood pressure is particularly common among Black adults and often develops at an earlier age compared to other racial groups.
Excess weight requires more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues, increasing pressure on artery walls.
Inactive people tend to have higher heart rates, forcing the heart to work harder with each contraction, increasing pressure on arteries.
Kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea can increase blood pressure risk. These conditions require careful management.
Adults should have blood pressure checked at least once every two years starting at age 18. Those with risk factors should be checked more frequently.
If you consistently get elevated or high readings at home, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have blood pressure readings above 180/120 mm Hg along with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
If you're taking blood pressure medication, never stop or change your dosage without consulting your doctor. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor effectiveness.
Stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. While occasional stress isn't likely to cause chronic hypertension, chronic stress and poor stress management can contribute to long-term high blood pressure.
Genetics play a role, but lifestyle factors are equally important. Even with a family history, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay high blood pressure.
Never stop taking blood pressure medication without consulting your doctor. Your blood pressure may be normal because the medication is working. Stopping suddenly can cause dangerous spikes.
With consistent lifestyle changes, you may see improvements in 2-4 weeks. Significant reductions typically take 3-6 months of sustained healthy habits.