You enter your systolic reading (the top number, measured during a heartbeat) and diastolic reading (the bottom number, measured between beats). The tool classifies your reading using the 2017 AHA/ACC guideline thresholds, taking the higher category if systolic and diastolic fall into different ranges. It does not use a formula — it applies a threshold-based lookup against published clinical guidelines.
Systolic (top number) measures pressure when your heart beats and pushes blood out. Diastolic (bottom number) measures pressure between beats when your heart rests. Both numbers matter for classification.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day based on stress, caffeine, activity, and posture. Healthcare providers typically take multiple readings across different visits before diagnosing hypertension. A single reading is informative but not definitive.
The AHA recommends measuring in the morning before medication and again in the evening. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring, with your arm supported at heart level. Take two readings one minute apart and average them.
The 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines lowered the threshold for hypertension from 140/90 to 130/80 based on evidence that cardiovascular risk begins increasing at lower levels than previously recognized. This reclassified many people from "prehypertension" to Stage 1 hypertension.
No. This tool categorizes a single reading. A diagnosis of hypertension requires multiple elevated readings over time, along with consideration of your overall health, medications, and risk factors. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas — they are not financial, tax, legal, health, or investment advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.