Blood Pressure Checker
Blood pressure is given as two numbers — systolic over diastolic. Enter your reading to see which American Heart Association category it falls into and what it means.
Blood Pressure Checker
Blood pressure is given as two numbers — systolic over diastolic. Enter your reading to see which American Heart Association category it falls into and what it means.
Informational only — not a diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose or treat high blood pressure. If your reading is very high or you feel unwell, seek medical care right away.
- NormalBelow 120 / below 80 mmHgYou
- Elevated120–129 / below 80 mmHg
- High — Stage 1130–139 / 80–89 mmHg
- High — Stage 2140+ / 90+ mmHg
- Hypertensive crisisOver 180 / over 120 mmHg
Categories follow American Heart Association guidelines. A single reading is not a diagnosis — blood pressure varies through the day, so take several readings while seated and at rest.
This is an educational estimate, not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional. Categories follow the American Heart Association (AHA).
Save & share your result
Understanding the two numbers
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and written as systolic over diastolic, for example 120/80. The systolic (top) number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats; the diastolic (bottom) number is the pressure between beats, when the heart rests.
Either number being high is enough to raise your category. This checker uses whichever of your two numbers falls into the higher band, exactly as clinicians do.
The AHA blood pressure categories
The American Heart Association groups readings into five categories:
- Normal: below 120 and below 80.
- Elevated: 120–129 and below 80.
- High Stage 1: 130–139 or 80–89.
- High Stage 2: 140 or higher, or 90 or higher.
- Hypertensive crisis: higher than 180 and/or higher than 120 — seek medical care.
What to do about your reading
A single reading does not diagnose high blood pressure. Levels rise and fall through the day with activity, stress, caffeine and even a full bladder. Take several measurements while seated and rested, on different days, and share the pattern with your doctor.
If your reading is in the elevated or Stage 1 range, lifestyle changes — less salt, more activity, a healthy weight, less alcohol and not smoking — often help. Stage 2 usually needs medication alongside these changes. A hypertensive crisis (over 180/120) is a medical emergency, especially with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble speaking.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
The American Heart Association defines normal as a systolic reading below 120 and a diastolic below 80 mmHg. Readings above that fall into Elevated or one of the high blood pressure stages.
Which number is more important, systolic or diastolic?
Both matter, and your category is set by whichever is higher. Systolic pressure tends to be the stronger predictor of risk in adults over 50, but a high diastolic reading also needs attention.
What should I do in a hypertensive crisis?
A reading over 180/120 mmHg is dangerous. Wait five minutes and re-measure; if it is still that high, contact your doctor urgently. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or trouble speaking, call emergency services immediately.
Can one high reading mean I have hypertension?
No. A diagnosis is based on multiple readings over time, taken correctly at rest. This tool is for information only — your doctor confirms any diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Sources & references
Not medical advice. This result is an educational estimate from HealthyLifeStyles (Trusted Wellness), based on population formulas — not a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your health.
https://www.healthylifestyles.com/tools/blood-pressure-checker