Blood Pressure Category Checker

📖 Overview

Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings to get your category and recommended next steps.

⚙️ How It Works

Classifies a blood pressure reading into one of five American Heart Association (AHA) categories based on systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) values in mmHg.

The Formula

Category = f(Systolic mmHg, Diastolic mmHg) per AHA 2017 guidelines

Systolic	Pressure when the heart beats (upper number)
Diastolic	Pressure when the heart rests between beats (lower number)
mmHg	Millimetres of mercury — the standard unit for blood pressure

⚠️A reading above 180/120 mmHg is a hypertensive crisis. Seek emergency medical care immediately if accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes.

Quick Reference

Category	Systolic		Diastolic
Normal	< 120	and	< 80
Elevated	120–129	and	< 80
High BP Stage 1	130–139	or	80–89
High BP Stage 2	≥ 140	or	≥ 90
Hypertensive Crisis	> 180	and/or	> 120

Practical Tips

💡 Measure blood pressure after 5 minutes of rest, seated with feet flat on the floor.

💡 Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring.

💡 Take two readings 1–2 minutes apart and average them for greater accuracy.

💡 White coat hypertension (high readings only at the clinic) is common — home monitoring gives a truer picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which number matters more, systolic or diastolic?

Both matter. A reading is classified by whichever value places it in the higher category.

❓ Can blood pressure vary through the day?

Yes. It is typically lowest in the morning and rises through the day. Stress, caffeine, and activity all cause temporary spikes.

❓ At what point should I see a doctor?

Stage 1 hypertension (130/80) warrants a conversation with your doctor. Stage 2 (140/90) requires medical evaluation and likely treatment.