Blood Pressure Calculator - AHA Category Classification
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure to see how the reading is classified under American Heart Association guidelines, with guidance on next steps.
Blood Pressure Reading
Classified per AHA guidelines.
Classification
Blood Pressure
118/76
NormalBlood pressure is within the normal range.
Maintain healthy diet, regular activity, and routine check-ups.
Methodology and limitations
Last reviewed:
Methodology
Classifies entered systolic and diastolic readings using AHA/ACC adult blood pressure categories from normal through hypertensive crisis.
Limitations
A single reading is not a diagnosis. Home monitors, cuff size, stress, and time of day affect results. Confirm elevated readings with repeated measurements and a clinician.
Official sources
How Blood Pressure Categories Work
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure to see how the reading is classified under American Heart Association guidelines, with guidance on next steps.
Method used
The calculator compares your entered systolic and diastolic readings against AHA/ACC adult blood pressure categories from normal through hypertensive crisis and returns a plain-language recommendation.
Category = highest threshold matched (systolic OR diastolic)
Practical example
A reading of 128/78 mmHg falls in the elevated category because systolic is 120–129 while diastolic remains below 80.
- Systolic pressure in mmHg (top number)
- Diastolic pressure in mmHg (bottom number)
The result shows the category name, description, follow-up recommendation, and a crisis flag for readings above 180/120.
Assumptions
- Readings follow standard upper-arm cuff measurement.
- Categories follow common AHA/ACC adult thresholds.
- One reading is not sufficient for diagnosis.
What this includes
- BP category, description, recommendation text, and hypertensive crisis alert.
What this excludes
- Ambulatory BP monitoring, white-coat effect, pediatric percentiles, pregnancy-specific thresholds, and medication dosing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal blood pressure?
AHA defines normal as systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg. Readings should be confirmed with repeated measurements over time.
What is the difference between systolic and diastolic?
Systolic is pressure when the heart beats; diastolic is pressure between beats. Both numbers matter for cardiovascular risk assessment.
When is blood pressure a hypertensive crisis?
Readings above 180 systolic or above 120 diastolic are classified as hypertensive crisis. Seek emergency medical care — do not wait to recheck at home.
Should I diagnose hypertension from one reading?
No. Hypertension diagnosis requires multiple readings, often on separate days. Home monitors and clinical confirmation both play a role.
What lifestyle changes lower blood pressure?
Reducing sodium, increasing activity, limiting alcohol, managing weight, and stress reduction can help. Medication may be needed — discuss options with your doctor.