Blood Pressure Checker

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries. It is one of the key vital signs, indicating cardiovascular health.

When your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, creating pressure. When the heart rests between beats, pressure falls. This is why blood pressure is always represented by two numbers:

• Systolic Blood Pressure (Upper Number): The pressure in your arteries when the heart muscle contracts (beats).
• Diastolic Blood Pressure (Lower Number): The pressure in your arteries when the heart muscle rests between beats.

AHA/ACC 2017 Blood Pressure Categories

In 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released updated guidelines for defining high blood pressure:

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
**Normal**	< 120	and < 80
**Elevated**	120–129	and < 80
**Stage 1 Hypertension**	130–139	or 80–89
**Stage 2 Hypertension**	140+	or 90+
**Hypertensive Crisis**	> 180	and/or > 120

If your reading falls into different categories (e.g. 135/92 mmHg), your overall classification defaults to the higher stage (in this case, Stage 2).

How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly

To get an accurate blood pressure reading, follow these standard guidelines:

1. Prepare: Do not drink caffeine, exercise, or smoke for 30 minutes before taking a reading. Empty your bladder.

2. Position: Sit quietly for 5 minutes before beginning. Keep your back straight, feet flat on the floor (do not cross legs), and support your arm on a table at heart level.

3. Cuff Placement: Place the cuff on bare skin, 1-2 cm above the bend of your elbow. The cuff should be snug but allow two fingers to slide underneath.

4. Take Multiple Readings: Take 2 or 3 readings, one minute apart, and average them.

Lifestyle Habits to Lower Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is elevated or high, evidence-backed lifestyle modifications can help lower it:

• DASH Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while restricting saturated fats.
• Reduce Sodium: Limit daily sodium intake to under 2,300 mg (ideally 1,500 mg for adults with high blood pressure).
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) per week.
• Manage Stress: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which have been shown to temporarily lower blood pressure.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure.

IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

This tool is for informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical evaluation. If you suspect you have high blood pressure, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Sources & Citations

• Whelton PK, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017.
• American Heart Association guidelines. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. heart.org.