Blood Pressure Calculator
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings to discover your category based on guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Consider lifestyle changes and consult your doctor.
Understanding Blood Pressure: Your Guide to Heart Health
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is called diastolic pressure.
What the Numbers Mean
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first (or top) number is your systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second (or bottom) number is your diastolic blood pressure, measuring the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
For example, a reading of '120/80 mmHg' is pronounced '120 over 80.' Both numbers are crucial for determining the health of your heart and understanding your risk for heart disease or stroke.
Blood Pressure Categories
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), blood pressure falls into five main categories:
Normal: Systolic is less than 120 and diastolic is less than 80.
Elevated: Systolic is 120-129 and diastolic is less than 80. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
High Blood Pressure (Stage 1): Systolic is 130-139 or diastolic is 80-89. At this stage, doctors are likely to recommend lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
High Blood Pressure (Stage 2): Systolic is 140 or higher or diastolic is 90 or higher. Doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes at this stage.
Hypertensive Crisis: This is an emergency situation. If your readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mmHg, wait five minutes and test again. If readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic (often expressed as 'less than 120 over 80').
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) usually develops over time. Common risk factors include lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet (especially one high in sodium), being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, and genetics. Medical conditions like kidney disease and sleep apnea also contribute to hypertension.
How can I lower my blood pressure naturally?
You can help lower your blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet low in salt and rich in potassium, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
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