Blood Pressure Calculator
Enter your blood pressure readings to determine your category according to the American Heart Association guidelines and understand what your numbers mean.
Blood Pressure Calculator
Check your blood pressure category and calculate Mean Arterial Pressure
The pressure when your heart beats
The pressure when your heart rests
Your heart rate in beats per minute
Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 90 | and < 60 |
| Normal | < 120 | and < 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and < 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | or 80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | or ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | and/or > 120 |
About Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is a key indicator of overall perfusion (blood flow) to your organs. It represents the average pressure in your arteries during one cardiac cycle and is weighted more toward diastolic pressure because your heart spends more time in diastole than systole.
MAP is particularly important in critical care settings as it provides insight into the adequacy of blood supply to vital organs. A MAP below 60 mmHg can lead to inadequate organ perfusion, while a consistently elevated MAP may indicate hypertension requiring treatment.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's measured using two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).
What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Systolic (top number): This indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart beats.
Diastolic (bottom number): This indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while your heart is resting between beats.
Tips for Managing Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly (aim for 150 minutes/week)
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (DASH diet)
- Reduce sodium intake (aim for less than 1,500mg/day)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, etc.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If your readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg
- If you get a reading above 180/120 mmHg (wait 5 minutes and test again)
- If high reading is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or visual changes
- If you're taking blood pressure medication and readings remain high
How to Take Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Use the bathroom beforehand if needed
- Don't smoke, exercise, or consume caffeine within 30 minutes of measurement
- Sit with back straight and supported, feet flat on the floor
- Support your arm on a flat surface at heart level
- Place the cuff directly on bare skin, not over clothing
- Don't talk during the measurement
- Take 2-3 readings, 1 minute apart, and record the average
- Measure at the same time of day when possible
Remember that a single elevated reading doesn't necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and can be affected by many factors. For diagnosis, healthcare providers typically take multiple readings over time.