Check Your Blood Pressure
Enter your blood pressure numbers below to see which category you fall into. This tool is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice and age-specific guidelines.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) using a cuff (sphygmomanometer) on the upper arm. A reading has two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart relaxes). Proper technique and multiple readings are important for accuracy.
Normal Ranges and Classification
According to the 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, normal blood pressure targets are below 130/80 mm Hg for individuals under 65 years and below 140/80 mm Hg for those aged 65–79 years. Explore the different categories below.
Click a bar to learn more
Each bar on the chart represents a different blood pressure category. Click one to see its definition, numerical range, and what it means for your health.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Accurate diagnosis of blood pressure conditions requires careful measurement and monitoring over time, as a single reading isn't enough. Explore the methods and recommendations for tracking your BP.
Repeated Measurements
Diagnosis of hypertension requires repeated BP measurements. Guidelines recommend averaging ≥2 readings on separate visits. At the first measurement, BP should be checked in both arms; thereafter, the higher arm is used.
Home and Ambulatory Monitoring
For example, if office readings are elevated, doctors often advise patients to use a validated home BP monitor daily for 1–2 weeks. Alternatively, 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (wearable cuff) can confirm hypertension and reveal “white-coat” (clinic-only) or “masked” (normal clinic, high at home) hypertension. These monitors give more reliable assessment of usual BP and help guide treatment. Cuffs should be checked periodically for accuracy.
Routine Screening Recommendations
For routine screening, most adults should have BP measured at least once a year (or every 2 years if persistently low-normal), and more often if any risk factors or elevated readings are present. The NHS advises anyone ≥40 should have BP measured if not checked in the past 5 years.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Often called the "silent killer," hypertension usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Explore its causes, risk factors, and the damage it can cause.
Causes & Risk Factors
Most hypertension (≈90–95%) is primary (essential) and has no single identifiable cause. Explore the factors that increase your risk.
Serious Health Complications
Over time, untreated high BP damages blood vessels and vital organs, significantly increasing the risk of severe health issues like heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
Symptoms of Severe High BP
While typically asymptomatic, very high blood pressure can cause acute symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Blurred vision (indicates Hypertensive Crisis)
- Numbness or weakness (indicates Hypertensive Crisis)
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
While less common, low blood pressure (typically <90/60 mmHg) can cause symptoms like dizziness and fainting. It is often a sign of an underlying condition. Learn about its types, symptoms, and causes.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Hypotension can be caused by various factors, from simple dehydration to serious underlying conditions. Risk factors increase with age and pre-existing health issues.
Risk Factors for Low Blood Pressure:
- Older age (especially >65, often with orthostatic hypotension)
- Existing chronic diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, diabetes)
- Heavy alcohol or drug use
Key Symptoms & Complications
Symptoms of low BP are related to poor blood flow to the organs. Severe hypotension can lead to serious complications.
Potential Complications:
- Injuries from fainting or falls
- Organ hypoxia (lack of oxygen to organs)
- Multi-organ failure (in extreme cases of shock)
Management & Prevention
You have the power to manage your blood pressure. A heart-healthy lifestyle is the foundation of prevention and control, sometimes supplemented by medication. Learn about strategies to maintain optimal blood pressure.
Lifestyle Modifications
These changes are often the first-line strategy for preventing or lowering blood pressure and are crucial even if medication is required.
Medical Treatments
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, various medications can help control blood pressure. These should always be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Many patients require combination therapy to achieve target BP, generally aiming for <130/80 mmHg.
Screening and High-Risk Groups
Regular blood pressure screening is vital for all adults, especially those in higher-risk categories. Understanding your risk factors can help you and your doctor plan appropriate monitoring.
Who should be screened?
Most guidelines recommend periodic BP screening for all adults. Adults should have BP checked at least once a year. People with ideal BP and no risk factors may extend to every 2 years, but those over age 40 should be screened at least annually. Persons with elevated BP (120–129/<80) or any risk factors should have more frequent checks.
Higher-Risk Groups
Higher-risk groups include: older adults; people who are overweight or obese; those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease; individuals with high dietary salt or alcohol intake; smokers; and certain ethnicities (e.g. Black African/Caribbean, South Asian). A family history of hypertension also raises risk. Women who have had pregnancy-related hypertension (e.g. preeclampsia) should be monitored more closely. In at-risk individuals, home self-monitoring or ambulatory monitoring can be used for regular follow-up.
Recent Developments & Research (2025)
Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs and evolving understanding in blood pressure management, including new treatments and updated guidelines.
Key Points
- Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls, measured in mm Hg as two numbers: systolic (heart beats) and diastolic (heart rests).
- Research suggests normal ranges are below 130/80 mm Hg for under 65s and below 140/80 mm Hg for 65–79s, per 2024 ESC guidelines.
- It seems likely that high blood pressure (above 140/90 mm Hg) can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues if untreated.
- The evidence leans toward low blood pressure (below 90/60 mm Hg) causing dizziness or fainting, though it’s not always a concern.
- New treatments in 2025, like drugs reducing systolic pressure by 15 points, show promise, with AHA/ACC guidelines expected soon.
Comprehensive Overview of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure, a critical indicator of cardiovascular health, is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure, the higher number representing the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, the lower number indicating the pressure when the heart rests between beats. This measurement is essential for assessing how well the heart and blood vessels function, and it plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing various health conditions.
Blood Pressure Measurement and Ranges
Blood pressure is typically measured using a sphygmomanometer, and accurate readings are crucial for diagnosis. The 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, one of the most recent and authoritative sources as of June 8, 2025, provide updated classifications and targets:
- A target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mm Hg for individuals under 65 years.
- A target of less than 140/80 mm Hg for those aged 65 to 79 years.
The ESC also introduced new categories for blood pressure classification:
| Category | Systolic mm Hg | Diastolic mm Hg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (under 65) | Less than 130 | Less than 80 | Per 2024 ESC guidelines |
| Normal (65–79) | Less than 140 | Less than 80 | Per 2024 ESC guidelines |
| Elevated | 120–129 | Less than 80 | |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 | |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher | |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 | Requires immediate medical attention |
| Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) | Less than 90 | Less than 60 | May cause symptoms like dizziness, varies by individual |
For low blood pressure, or hypotension, the general range is below 90/60 mm Hg, though this can vary based on individual health and symptoms. The American Heart Association (AHA) and other sources confirm this threshold, noting that symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue may indicate a need for medical evaluation.
Health Implications and Risks
High blood pressure, often termed the "silent killer," typically presents no symptoms but can lead to severe health issues if untreated. Research consistently shows it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and vision loss. For instance, the CDC reports that in 2022, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 685,875 deaths in the United States, highlighting its public health impact.
Low blood pressure, while less commonly discussed, can cause symptoms such as confusion, nausea, and blurred vision, especially if severe. Causes include prolonged bed rest, dehydration, certain medications, and life-threatening conditions like septic shock. However, not all cases require treatment, and individual tolerance varies.
Recent Research and Developments in 2025
As of June 8, 2025, several studies and developments have advanced the understanding and management of blood pressure:
| Recent Development (2025) | Details |
|---|---|
| New Drug (Lorundrostat) | Reduces systolic BP by 15 points compared to 7-point placebo reduction, showing promise for uncontrolled hypertension. |
| Six-Month Injection | A new clinical trial in May 2025 showed that a six-month injection could lead to meaningful blood pressure reductions, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches. |
| Remote Monitoring Success | Research published in 2025 found that participants in a remote hypertension program maintained goal systolic blood pressure in 90% of cases up to 42 months post-enrollment. |
| DASH Diet Recognition | Named the "Best Heart-Healthy Diet" and "Best Diet for High Blood Pressure" in January 2025, with multiple studies confirming its benefits. |
| Cognitive Benefits | A January 2025 study showed that intensive blood pressure control for 3.5 years reduces the risk of cognitive impairment. |
Other notable developments include new themes in Hypertension Research (e.g., "implementation hypertension" and "morning hypertension") and geographical prevalence insights from the CDC.
Management Strategies
Managing blood pressure involves both lifestyle changes and medical interventions:
- **Lifestyle Changes:** Adopting a heart-healthy diet like the DASH diet, engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week), maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco are recommended.
- **Medical Interventions:** For those with persistent high blood pressure, medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and newer drugs like lorundrostat may be prescribed. Regular monitoring, including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), is crucial.
Conclusion
Blood pressure management is a dynamic field with evolving guidelines and treatments. The 2024 ESC guidelines provide current targets, while 2025 research offers new therapeutic options and reinforces lifestyle interventions. For personalized advice, consulting healthcare professionals and utilizing resources from the ESC, AHA, and CDC is recommended.
Key Citations
- 2024 ESC Hypertension Guidelines
- Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025
- High Blood Pressure Facts (CDC)
- Potential Therapy for Uncontrolled Hypertension (UCSD)
- Long-Term Blood Pressure Trends (PubMed)
- New injection could help millions with high blood pressure (ScienceDaily)
- Hypertension Research Initiatives 2025 (Nature)
- Intensive BP Control and Cognitive Impairment (Wake Forest)
- DASH Diet Recognition (NHLBI)
- New Drug for High Blood Pressure (U.S. News)
- Blood Pressure Management (Better Health Channel)
- NHS Blood Pressure Test