Blood Pressure Checker
Check your blood pressure category using AHA 2017 guidelines and get personalised recommendations.
Based on AHA 2017 guidelines. A single reading is not a diagnosis. Consult a doctor for persistent abnormal readings.
Blood pressure categories (AHA 2017)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low BP (Hypotension) | < 90 | and/or | < 60 |
| Normal | < 120 | and | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | < 80 |
| High BP Stage 1 | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| High BP Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | or | ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | and/or | > 120 |
Frequently asked questions
What is pulse pressure and why does it matter?
Pulse pressure is systolic minus diastolic (e.g., 120−80 = 40 mmHg). Normal range is 40–60 mmHg. A wide pulse pressure (>60) can indicate arterial stiffness or aortic regurgitation. A narrow pulse pressure (<25) may suggest low cardiac output or aortic stenosis.
What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
MAP is the average arterial pressure during one cardiac cycle. Formula: MAP = Diastolic + (Pulse Pressure / 3). Normal range is 70–100 mmHg. MAP below 60 mmHg is critical as organs may not receive adequate blood flow.
When is the best time to measure blood pressure?
For the most accurate reading: sit quietly for 5 minutes, avoid caffeine/exercise for 30 minutes, keep your arm at heart level, take two readings 1–2 minutes apart and use the average. Morning readings before medication are most clinically relevant.
My BP varies throughout the day. Is that normal?
Yes, blood pressure naturally varies by 20–30 mmHg during the day. It's lowest during sleep and highest in the morning (the "morning surge"). One-off high readings due to stress, pain, or caffeine are called "white coat hypertension" and are not diagnostic.
What lifestyle changes help lower blood pressure?
The DASH diet (low sodium, high potassium), 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, stress management, and maintaining healthy weight can each reduce systolic BP by 3–10 mmHg. Combined, these can be as effective as one antihypertensive medication.