About BloodPressureOK: Sources and Methodology

BloodPressureOK answers one question as clearly as possible: is my blood pressure OK? Enter a reading and we show its category, where it sits on the chart and what to do next — in plain language.

How readings are classified

Primary: international categories — European Society of Hypertension (ESH) 2023: ideal (optimal) < 120/80, normal 120–129/80–84, high normal 130–139/85–89, hypertension stage (grade) 1 140–159/90–99, stage 2 160–179/100–109, stage 3 ≥ 180/110. When the two numbers fall into different categories, the higher one counts.
US categories — 2025 AHA/ACC guideline (the categories are unchanged from 2017): normal < 120/80, elevated 120–129/< 80, stage 1 130–139 or 80–89, stage 2 ≥ 140 or ≥ 90, severe hypertension > 180 and/or > 120. Shown on every reading page.
Home readings — the ESH counts a home average (several days, morning and evening) of 135/85 or higher as high blood pressure. Our log compares your average with that.
Low blood pressure — a systolic value below 90 or a diastolic value below 60, when the other number is not raised (a reading with one raised number counts by the raised one). It matters mainly when it causes symptoms. Below 80 systolic or 50 diastolic we advise a re-check and, if confirmed or with symptoms, a doctor the same day; below 70 or 40, measure again now and call 911 (US) or your local emergency number if you feel faint, confused, short of breath, or cold and clammy — otherwise contact a doctor today. See MedlinePlus and NHLBI on low blood pressure.
Pulse pressure (systolic − diastolic): below 25 narrow (often a measuring error — re-check), 25–29 slightly narrow, 30–60 usual, above 60 wide. Mean arterial pressure (diastolic + ⅓ pulse pressure): below 65 low, 65–69 on the low side, 70–100 typical, above 100 raised. Both are standard physiological measures.
Very high readings — 180/110 or higher is ESH stage 3 (the US guideline uses "above 180/120" for severe hypertension). With chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, confusion or a severe headache, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. Without symptoms, sit quietly for 5 minutes and measure again; if it is still that high, contact a doctor the same day.

Sources

Guideline links are DOIs that open the publisher's page. Each article and reading page lists the sources it relies on.

How we write

Articles are based on current guidelines and systematic reviews, written in plain language and checked against the sources before publication. When the evidence changes, we update the article and the review date. Herbal remedies are described with their evidence, risks and interactions — we do not sell supplements or devices, and advertising never influences content.

What this site cannot do

A single reading is a snapshot: high blood pressure is diagnosed from repeated measurements, and treatment decisions depend on your overall risk. Our pages are general education, not medical advice. If a reading of 180/110 or higher comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, confusion or a severe headache, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number.

Privacy

The readings you check are not stored by us — the checker simply opens the page for that reading. Details in the privacy policy.

Who runs BloodPressureOK

BloodPressureOK is published by EPSILON WEBCRAFTS LLC, Lexington, KY 40507, USA. Last editorial review: 2026-10-25. Found an error? Let us know.