Find out how to understand blood pressure readings and use our blood pressure chart to see how healthy your blood pressure is.What does a blood pressure reading look like?When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number. Show
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and you’d call it ‘120 over 80’. This video explains more about systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The blood pressure chartOnce you know your numbers, you can use the blood pressure chart to see what they mean and if your blood pressure is in the healthy range. The chart is suitable for adults of any age, as the cut-off point for diagnosing high blood pressure doesn’t change with age. How to use the blood pressure chart Simply find your top number (systolic) on the left side of the chart and your bottom number (diastolic) on the bottom. Where the two lines meet is your blood pressure. Download the chart. Blood pressure chart for adults - PDF [PDF 121KB] What do the readings mean?As a general guide: • 140/90mmHg or over – you may have high blood pressure • 120/80mmHg up to 140/90mmHg – pre-high blood pressure • 90/60mmHg up to 120/80mmHg – ideal blood pressure • 90/60mmHg or lower – you may have low blood pressure The video below explains how your blood pressure numbers are linked to the risk of stroke and other disease.
Diagnosing high or low blood pressureOnly one of your numbers needs to be higher than it should be to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, and only one needs to be lower than it should be to be diagnosed with low blood pressure. So if your top number is over 140 or the bottom number is over 90, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure, regardless of the other number. If your top number is under 90 or your bottom number is under 60, you may be diagnosed with low blood pressure. Use the chart to see where your numbers sit. If your top number (systolic pressure) is consistently higher than 140mmHg, but the bottom number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Systolic Hypertension. If the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is consistently higher than 90mmHg but the top number is healthy - this is known as Isolated Diastolic Hypertension. Making sure your readings aren’t a one-off A single high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, as many things can affect your blood pressure throughout the day, such as the temperature, when you last ate, and if you’re feeling stressed. Your doctor or nurse will probably want to measure your blood pressure a number of times over a few weeks to make sure the reading wasn’t just a one off and that your blood pressure stays high over time. Read about how high blood pressure is diagnosed, getting a blood pressure check, the further tests you might have if you have a high blood pressure reading, and what it means if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure. What blood pressure is normal by age?Normal Blood Pressure By Age Both Male and Female. What should I do if my BP is 140 90?Lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure. reduce the amount of salt you eat and have a generally healthy diet.. cut back on alcohol.. lose weight if you're overweight.. exercise regularly.. cut down on caffeine.. stop smoking.. What is normal BP female?Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. While it can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg for women or men aged 20 or over.
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