Blood Pressure Category Checker
Check your blood pressure reading against standard categories to understand your cardiovascular health status.
Your Blood Pressure Category
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Blood Pressure Scale
About Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood.
Systolic pressure (the top number) measures pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure Categories for Adults:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120
These categories are based on American Heart Association guidelines.
Health Risks Associated with High Blood Pressure:
- Heart attack: High pressure damages arteries, making them vulnerable to blockage
- Stroke: Can cause blood vessels in the brain to clog or burst
- Heart failure: The heart must work harder, which can lead to enlargement and failure
- Kidney disease: Damages blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing function
- Vision loss: Can strain or damage blood vessels in the eyes
- Sexual dysfunction: May reduce blood flow to sexual organs
- Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
- Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing of arteries in the legs, arms, stomach, and head
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no warning signs or symptoms.
Tips for Managing Blood Pressure:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol
- Get regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly
- Get quality sleep (7-9 hours per night)
- Limit caffeine intake if it affects your blood pressure
Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if your readings are consistently high.