Blood pressure chart and checker
Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 118/76. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. These categories are for adults.
Blood pressure categories for adults
| Category | Top (systolic) | Bottom (diastolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | and below 80 |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and below 80 |
| High: stage 1 | 130 to 139 | or 80 to 89 |
| High: stage 2 | 140 or higher | or 90 or higher |
| Severe: get help now | Higher than 180 | and/or higher than 120 |
If the two numbers fall in different categories, the higher category counts.
When to get help
- Higher than 180/120 with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, a change in vision or trouble speaking: call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Higher than 180/120 without symptoms: wait a few minutes and measure again. If it's still that high, contact your doctor straight away.
- Stage 1 or 2: make an appointment with a doctor. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
How to measure at home
- Don't exercise, smoke or have caffeine for 30 minutes before.
- Empty your bladder, then sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at heart height, on bare skin.
- Don't talk during the reading. Take 2 readings a minute apart and write both down.
- One high reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure. A doctor looks at several readings over time.
This is not a diagnosis. Always talk to a doctor about your readings before making any decision, including about any medicine you take.
Sources
- CDC: About high blood pressure
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH): What is high blood pressure?
- MedlinePlus: High blood pressure
- American Heart Association: Understanding blood pressure readings