Blood Pressure Calculator
Top number — pressure when your heart beats
Bottom number — pressure when your heart rests
Your Reading
120/80 mmHg
Category
Normal
Your blood pressure is in the healthy range. Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
AHA Blood Pressure Categories
Blood Pressure Categories (AHA Guidelines)
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | and | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120 – 129 | and | < 80 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 1 | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | or | ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | and/or | > 120 |
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) represents the force when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure (the bottom number) represents the force when your heart rests between beats. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are equally important for assessing cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association (AHA) classifies blood pressure into five categories. A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure occurs when systolic readings consistently range from 120-129 mmHg with diastolic below 80 mmHg — this stage signals that you are likely to develop high blood pressure unless you take steps to control it. High Blood Pressure Stage 1 is diagnosed when systolic is 130-139 mmHg or diastolic is 80-89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is when systolic reaches 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic reaches 90 mmHg or higher.
A hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg and requires immediate medical attention. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it typically produces no symptoms while causing damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels over time. Regular monitoring, a balanced diet low in sodium, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and managing stress are all proven strategies for keeping blood pressure in a healthy range. If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe medication.