Blood Pressure Category Checker
Enter your blood pressure reading to get your AHA category, what it means, and recommended next steps.
Your Reading
AHA Blood Pressure Categories
| 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 |
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).
A single reading is not enough to diagnose hypertension. Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day and can be temporarily elevated by caffeine, stress, exercise, or white coat syndrome. Doctors typically use an average of multiple readings taken on different occasions.
The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines used here were updated in 2017 and lowered the threshold for hypertension from 140/90 to 130/80 mmHg. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.