A blood pressure chart helps you understand where your reading falls on the American Heart Association (AHA) scale — from Normal through Elevated, Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension, to Hypertensive Crisis. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as systolic over diastolic. Regular monitoring is one of the most effective ways to detect and manage cardiovascular risk early.
Educational purposes only. This tool is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of high or low blood pressure.
Check Your Reading
Your Result
Enter your systolic and diastolic values, then click Check Reading.
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AHA Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | AND | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120 – 129 | AND | Less than 80 |
| High BP Stage 1 | 130 – 139 | OR | 80 – 89 |
| High BP Stage 2 | 140 or higher | OR | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | AND/OR | Higher than 120 |
Source: American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal medical advice.
Typical Ranges by Age Group
These are typical averages. Individual targets vary based on medical history and risk factors.
Lifestyle Guidance
Reading History
No readings saved yet. Check a reading and click "Save to History" to start tracking.
How to Use the Blood Pressure Chart
This interactive blood pressure chart helps you understand your reading instantly. Enter your systolic and diastolic numbers, and the tool classifies your reading according to the American Heart Association (AHA) blood pressure categories — from Normal to Hypertensive Crisis — with guidance on what to do next.
Step 1: Take your blood pressure reading
Before using the chart, measure your blood pressure with a validated home monitor or a clinical device. Sit quietly for 5 minutes beforehand, keep your arm at heart level, and avoid caffeine, exercise, and tobacco for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Take two or three readings one minute apart and use the average.
Step 2: Enter systolic and diastolic values
Type the top number (systolic pressure, which measures the force when your heart beats) into the systolic field, and the bottom number (diastolic pressure, measured between beats) into the diastolic field. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) — the universal unit for blood pressure worldwide.
Step 3: Review your AHA category
Click "Check Reading" to see your AHA blood pressure category with a color-coded badge, a description of what that range means, and a list of recommended actions. The five AHA categories are: Normal (below 120/80), Elevated (120–129 and below 80), High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (130–139 or 80–89), High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (140+ or 90+), and Hypertensive Crisis (above 180 and/or above 120), which requires immediate medical attention.
Step 4: Track your readings over time
Click "Save to History" to log a reading with a timestamp. Your history is stored locally in your browser using localStorage — no account required, nothing sent to a server. Over time, the log helps you identify patterns and share trends with your doctor. Use the "Clear All" button to reset your history.
Understanding the reference chart
The AHA blood pressure chart uses color-coded rows to make category boundaries easy to read at a glance: green for Normal, yellow for Elevated, orange for Stage 1 hypertension, red for Stage 2, and purple for Hypertensive Crisis. Notice that the OR/AND connector between systolic and diastolic changes by category — a reading is classified by whichever number triggers the higher category.
When to seek medical care
A single elevated reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. However, if you consistently see readings in the Elevated, Stage 1, or Stage 2 range, schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider. If your reading is above 180/120 — especially with symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden severe headache, or visual changes — seek emergency care immediately.
FAQ
What is normal blood pressure for adults?
Normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120 mmHg systolic AND less than 80 mmHg diastolic, written as less than 120/80. The American Heart Association (AHA) classifies anything below these numbers as normal, provided you have no other risk factors. Readings at or above 120/80 are classified as elevated or high.
Is this blood pressure tool free to use?
Yes, this blood pressure chart and checker is completely free. It runs entirely in your browser with no signup, no account, and no data sent to any server. Your readings stay private on your device.
Is my blood pressure data private?
Yes, all calculations happen locally in your browser. Your readings are only stored in your browser's localStorage if you use the history tracker — nothing is sent to any server or third party. You can clear your history at any time.
What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the force your heart exerts when it beats and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats when your heart is at rest. A reading of 120/80 means systolic is 120 and diastolic is 80, both in mmHg.
What are the AHA blood pressure stages?
The AHA defines five categories: Normal (below 120/80), Elevated (120-129 systolic and below 80 diastolic), High Blood Pressure Stage 1 (130-139 or 80-89), High Blood Pressure Stage 2 (140+ or 90+), and Hypertensive Crisis (180+ systolic and/or 120+ diastolic), which requires immediate medical attention.
What should I do if my reading is in Hypertensive Crisis?
If your reading is 180/120 or higher, seek emergency medical care immediately — especially if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or vision changes. If you have no symptoms, wait 5 minutes and recheck. If still that high, contact your doctor urgently.
Does normal blood pressure change with age?
The AHA's diagnostic thresholds are the same for most adults, but average readings do tend to rise with age. Children and teenagers have lower normal ranges. For adults 60 and older, some guidelines previously used a higher target (150/90), but current AHA guidelines recommend below 130/80 for most adults, including older adults with high cardiovascular risk.
Can I use this tool instead of seeing a doctor?
No. This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your blood pressure or overall cardiovascular health.