Blood pressure lookup

Look up a blood pressure reading and see whether it falls into a normal, elevated, high, or low range. Enter a systolic number (top number) and a diastolic number (bottom number) below.

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. High blood pressure starts at 130/80.

Blood pressure categories

Blood pressure readings are grouped into categories based on the systolic (top) number and diastolic (bottom) number. In general, normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80, elevated blood pressure is 120-129 with diastolic under 80, Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 or 80-89, and Stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher or 90 or higher.

Low blood pressure is less standardized than high blood pressure, but many clinicians consider readings under 90/60 to be low, especially when they cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, weakness, or blurred vision.

What is a good blood pressure reading?

In general, a good blood pressure reading is under 120/80. A reading in that range is considered normal for most adults. Once the systolic number reaches 120 to 129, blood pressure is considered elevated if the diastolic number is still under 80. High blood pressure begins at 130/80.

That said, one isolated reading does not always tell the whole story. Blood pressure can change throughout the day based on stress, activity, caffeine, sleep, illness, hydration, and how the reading was taken. It is more useful to look for consistent patterns over time than to focus too heavily on one number.

When a blood pressure reading may be an emergency

A reading higher than 180 systolic and/or 120 diastolic should be taken seriously. If you get a reading in that range, wait at least 1 minute and measure again.

If it is still that high, contact a health care professional right away. If it is that high and you also have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, or vision changes, seek emergency care immediately.

What systolic and diastolic mean

In a blood pressure reading, the systolic number is the top number and the diastolic number is the bottom number.

The systolic number reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood. The diastolic number reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure is measured in mmHg, which stands for millimeters of mercury.

How to measure blood pressure correctly

Blood pressure can be measured in a doctor's office or at home with a digital monitor. If you are checking it at home, technique matters because small mistakes can throw off the reading.

• Avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and exercise for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
• Empty your bladder before taking the reading.
• Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before starting.
• Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and legs uncrossed.
• Rest your arm on a flat surface so the cuff is at heart level.
• Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing.
• Do not talk during the reading.
• Take 2 readings at least 1 minute apart and compare them.

Because blood pressure changes throughout the day, many people find it helpful to check it at the same times each day. Looking at a pattern over several days is usually more useful than focusing on a single result.

Common blood pressure examples

Below are some common example readings people often look up. These examples can help you compare a reading to common blood pressure ranges, but they are not a substitute for medical advice.

Popular blood pressure readings

If you want to browse additional readings, these are some of the more commonly searched round-number examples.

Relevant HSA expenses

If you have an HSA, blood pressure monitors are eligible medical expenses. That can include some smart blood pressure monitors as well. As always, keep your receipt and make sure the purchase is primarily for medical care.

Sources

• Understanding blood pressure readings - American Heart Association
• High blood pressure - Mayo Clinic
• Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring - Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended to be an educational reference and is not to be taken as medical advice. If you think you're having a hypertensive or hypotensive emergency, or if you're having any kind of medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.