Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings to find your category: normal, elevated, or hypertension stage 1, 2, or crisis.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure — the top number. Pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure — the bottom number. Pressure between heartbeats.
A reading of 120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80.”
AHA Blood Pressure Categories (2017 Guidelines)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Less than 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
These categories are from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC).
What Each Category Means
Normal (below 120/80): Maintain healthy habits.
Elevated (120–129 / less than 80): No medication needed yet, but lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent progression.
Stage 1 Hypertension (130–139 or 80–89): Lifestyle changes strongly recommended. Medication may be prescribed depending on cardiovascular risk.
Stage 2 Hypertension (140+ or 90+): Combination of lifestyle changes and medication is typically required.
Hypertensive Crisis (180+ or 120+): Seek medical attention immediately. A reading this high can cause organ damage.
Tips for Accurate Readings
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Keep feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level
- Take two readings, 1 minute apart, and average them
- Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring
- Morning readings (before medication) are most informative
Important: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor for medical diagnosis and treatment decisions.