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Learn more →Blood Pressure Checker — AHA 2017 Categories Explained
Check whether your blood pressure falls in the Normal, Elevated, High Stage 1, High Stage 2, or Hypertensive Crisis range according to the 2017 American Heart Association guidelines. Results include pulse pressure and category-specific guidance. Runs entirely in your browser.
Enter your systolic and diastolic values above to see your blood pressure category.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
How it works
Understanding blood pressure numbers
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers written as a fraction: systolic over diastolic. Systolic pressure is the peak pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood out. Diastolic pressure is the resting pressure between beats, when the heart refills.
Pulse pressure — the difference between the two numbers — is an additional marker of arterial stiffness. A healthy pulse pressure is roughly 40 mmHg. Values above 60 mmHg in older adults are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while a very narrow pulse pressure (below 25 mmHg) may indicate low cardiac output.
AHA 2017 blood pressure categories
In 2017 the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology jointly revised the blood pressure guidelines, lowering the threshold for hypertension from 140/90 to 130/80 mmHg. This change acknowledged that cardiovascular risk rises steeply even below the old cutoffs.
The five categories are: Normal (below 120/80), Elevated (systolic 120–129 with diastolic below 80), High Stage 1 (130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic), High Stage 2 (140 or higher systolic, or 90 or higher diastolic), and Hypertensive Crisis (above 180 systolic or above 120 diastolic). Each category carries different recommended actions ranging from healthy-lifestyle promotion to immediate emergency care.
How to measure blood pressure accurately
Measurement technique matters as much as the device. Sit quietly for at least five minutes before measuring, with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and your arm resting at heart level. Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Take two or three readings one minute apart and average them. A single reading can be affected by white-coat hypertension (anxiety at the clinic), masked hypertension, or transient activity. Home monitoring over days gives a much more reliable picture of your true resting blood pressure than an isolated clinic reading.
Frequently asked questions
›What is a normal blood pressure reading?
According to the 2017 AHA guidelines, a normal reading is below 120 mmHg systolic AND below 80 mmHg diastolic.
›What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension?
Stage 1 is systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89. Stage 2 is systolic 140 or higher, or diastolic 90 or higher. Stage 2 generally requires medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
›What should I do if I get a Hypertensive Crisis result?
If your reading exceeds 180 systolic or 120 diastolic and you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes, call emergency services immediately. If you feel fine, rest for five minutes and re-measure before seeking urgent care.
›Can I rely on a single reading?
No. One reading can be skewed by stress, recent activity, or technique errors. Take multiple readings on different days and at different times to build a reliable picture.
›What is pulse pressure and why does it matter?
Pulse pressure is systolic minus diastolic. Values consistently above 60 mmHg may indicate arterial stiffness, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, especially in older adults.
›Does this tool store my blood pressure data?
No. All calculations happen locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to or stored on any server.
›Are the AHA 2017 guidelines universally accepted?
Most major cardiology societies worldwide have moved toward the stricter 130/80 threshold, though some still use 140/90. Regardless, any reading above your personal baseline warrants a conversation with your doctor.
›How often should I check my blood pressure?
Adults with normal readings can check annually. Those with elevated or high readings should monitor at home daily or as directed by their doctor, and keep a log to share at appointments.
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