Blood pressure checker

What does my blood pressure reading mean?

Upper number (systolic)

Lower number (diastolic)

Right now, do you have a severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side, trouble speaking or seeing, or confusion?

Your answer appears here.

Enter the two numbers from your machine. The upper number comes first.

Who it is for

Adults aged 18 and over. One reading is never a diagnosis: blood pressure is judged over several readings on different days.

How it works

Under 120/80 is normal. From 130/80 it is above the ideal. From 140/90 it is high, and a doctor confirms this over readings on more than one day. At 180/120 or more it is dangerously high. A top number under 90 or a bottom number under 60 is low.

For the most accurate home reading, sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported and your arm resting at heart level, and avoid tea, coffee and smoking for 30 minutes before.

A tool cannot know your history and does not replace a doctor who has examined you. If you are worried, or the result surprises you, talk to a doctor.

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