Blood Pressure Calculator

According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure is 120–129 systolic with diastolic less than 80. High blood pressure (hypertension) Stage 1 is 130–139/80–89 mmHg. Stage 2 is 140+/90+ mmHg. A hypertensive crisis is above 180/120 mmHg and requires immediate medical attention.

Systolic (top number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic (bottom number) measures pressure between beats when the heart rests. A reading of 120/80 means 120 mmHg systolic pressure and 80 mmHg diastolic. Both numbers matter — high systolic pressure is associated with cardiovascular risk even when diastolic is normal (called isolated systolic hypertension).

Lifestyle changes that can lower BP by 5–15 mmHg each: (1) DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy) — up to 11 mmHg reduction; (2) Reduce sodium to under 1,500 mg/day — up to 6 mmHg; (3) Regular aerobic exercise (150 min/week) — 5–8 mmHg; (4) Limit alcohol to 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men — 3–4 mmHg; (5) Quit smoking — measurable reduction; (6) Manage stress through meditation or yoga. These can be as effective as medication for Stage 1 hypertension.

For accurate home readings: (1) Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring; (2) Sit with back supported, feet flat on floor, arm at heart level; (3) Don't eat, exercise, smoke, or drink caffeine for 30 minutes before; (4) Use properly sized cuff — too small reads high, too large reads low; (5) Take 2–3 readings, 1 minute apart, and average them; (6) Measure at the same time each day. Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day — it's lowest during sleep and peaks in the morning.