Blood Pressure Categories (AHA 2017)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | < 80 |
| High BP Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High BP Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | > 120 |
| Low (Hypotension) | < 90 | < 60 |
Blood Pressure Calculator
Enter your blood pressure reading to understand what your numbers mean. See your blood pressure category per AHA guidelines, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Blood Pressure Analyzer
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the two numbers mean?
Blood pressure is written as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). Systolic (top) is the pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood. Diastolic (bottom) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Both numbers matter — high readings in either indicate elevated blood pressure risk.
When is blood pressure highest?
Blood pressure is typically highest in the morning after waking (due to cortisol release) and lowest during sleep. It rises with physical activity, stress, caffeine, and smoking. For the most accurate reading: rest for 5 minutes, avoid caffeine for 30 minutes, sit with feet flat, arm at heart level, and take 2–3 readings 1 minute apart.