Health
Reference for blood-pressure categories
Use systolic and diastolic readings take find blood pressure category for standard adult bands; e also show pulse pressure.
Add to workspaceYour numbers
Enter systolic and diastolic readings for mmHg. Results go update as you type. All calculations run locally inside your browser.
Category
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Blood-pressure categories for adults
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | < 80 |
| High blood pressure, Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High blood pressure, Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 |
| Reading wey very high | > 180 | > 120 |
Compare di two readings with AHA adult blood-pressure categories and use di higher category wey dem reach. Reading of 135/85 mmHg dey for Stage 1. Dis reference no dey designed for children, pregnancy or conditions wey need different clinical criteria.
Formula
Pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic. Adult reference categories follow di American Heart Association chart. Use di higher category wey either reading reach; normal and elevated categories require di two stated conditions. Very high readings alone no establish hypertensive emergency.
Example wey show the calculation
135/85: systolic 135 fall for 130–139 (Stage 1) and diastolic 85 fall for 80–89 (Stage 1), so category na Stage 1 hypertension. Pulse pressure = 135 − 85 = 50 mmHg. Single reading no dey diagnose hypertension — diagnosis dey depend on repeated readings over time, wey clinician interpret.
Where e fit work and limits
Dis na reference for adult categories, no be diagnosis or treatment advice. E no assess children, pregnancy, low blood pressure or wetin cause symptoms. How you take measure and repeated readings matter; clinician go interpret di result together with your history.
Questions wey people dey ask often
Wetin the two numbers mean?
Systolic na pressure when heart contract; diastolic na pressure between beats. Both matter — category dey use whichever fall for higher band.
One high reading mean say I get high blood pressure?
No. Diagnosis need repeated elevated readings over time, usually including readings wey dem take outside clinic. Single high reading na reason to recheck, no be diagnosis.
Why reading for clinic higher pass the one for house?
White-coat effect: stress for clinical setting dey raise readings for many people. Home readings wey dem take with correct technique often lower and na part of diagnostic picture.
How I fit measure blood pressure accurately?
Seated, back supported, feet flat, arm at heart height, correct cuff size, no caffeine or exercise for the prior 30 minutes, and few minutes of rest first. Two readings a minute apart, averaged, beat one rushed reading.
Wetin be pulse pressure?
The gap between systolic and diastolic — 50 mmHg for example. Wide gap fit reflect stiff arteries, but dem dey interpret am alongside absolute numbers, no be alone.
When I suppose seek urgent medical help?
Very high reading with chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking need emergency help immediately. If these symptoms no dey, wait at least one minute, then measure again. If e still pass 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, contact healthcare professional promptly.
Other tools wey relate to dis
- Calculator for BMI — compare weight with height, another basic health measure
- Calculator for BMR — energy wey body use daily at rest
- Calculator for body fat — estimate body composition from measurements
Results na estimates; dem no replace advice from qualified professional.
Main reference source
American Heart Association — Understanding Blood Pressure Readings