Blood Pressure Analyzer - BP Category & Risk Assessment
Analyze your blood pressure reading and determine your BP category (normal, elevated, hypertension stage 1 or 2) with health recommendations based on AHA guidelines.
About this calculator
Blood pressure is written as two numbers: systolic, when the heart beats, over diastolic, when it rests. Enter a reading and this analyzer places it in a category, from normal to hypertensive crisis, and calculates your mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure.
The categories follow the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guideline: normal below 120/80, elevated 120 to 129 over below 80, stage 1 hypertension 130 to 139 or 80 to 89, stage 2 at 140/90 or higher, and a crisis above 180 or 120. One high reading does not diagnose anything, so measure several times on different days.
How to use it
- Enter your Systolic and Diastolic readings in mmHg.
- Add your Pulse and Age.
- Press Analyze Blood Pressure.
- Read the category, the mean arterial pressure and the advice.
Categories and calculations
Mean arterial pressure = Diastolic + (Systolic − Diastolic) ÷ 3. Pulse pressure = Systolic − Diastolic. Categories (AHA/ACC): normal <120 and <80; elevated 120 to 129 and <80; stage 1 130 to 139 or 80 to 89; stage 2 ≥140 or ≥90; crisis >180 and/or >120. The higher of the two numbers decides the category.
Worked example
Reading 128/78, pulse 72
| Category | Elevated |
| Mean arterial pressure | 95 mmHg |
| Pulse pressure | 50 mmHg |
A reading of 135/85 would fall into stage 1 because either number is enough to move up a category. If you see 180/120 or more with chest pain, breathlessness or severe headache, seek emergency care at once.
This tool gives general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication.
Tips and common mistakes
- Sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat, arm at heart level, before measuring.
- Take two readings a minute apart, at the same times each day for a week, and use the average.
- Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes before.
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff of the right size.
- Bring your log to your doctor. A single clinic reading can be raised by anxiety.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
Below 120/80 mmHg for most adults.
What blood pressure is dangerous?
Readings above 180/120 are a crisis that needs immediate medical attention if you have symptoms.
What is mean arterial pressure?
The average pressure in your arteries during a heartbeat cycle, usually 70 to 100 mmHg.
Does one high reading mean hypertension?
No. Diagnosis needs repeated readings.
Can I lower blood pressure naturally?
Cutting salt, being active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and managing stress all help.
Do guidelines differ?
Some guidelines, such as European ones, use 140/90 as the threshold for hypertension.