Blood Pressure Category Checker
Classify your blood pressure per ACC/AHA 2017 (Normal, Elevated, Stage 1, Stage 2, Crisis) plus pulse pressure and MAP.
Health
Blood Pressure Category Checker
Generated on April 25, 2026
Higher number
Lower number
Heart rate at rest
Risk scale (systolic)
Hypertension Stage 1 — what does it mean?
Single readings can be misleading. Diagnosis of hypertension requires multiple readings on different days. Consult a healthcare provider — never self-medicate.
Step-by-step calculation
Formula
ACC/AHA 2017 categories: Normal <120/<80. Elevated 120-129/<80. Stage 1 130-139/80-89. Stage 2 ≥140/≥90. Crisis ≥180/≥120. Pulse pressure = sys − dia. MAP ≈ (sys + 2×dia) / 3.
- 1Reading: 125 / 82 mmHg.
- 2Category: Hypertension Stage 1 (the higher of systolic and diastolic determines category).
- 3Pulse pressure: 125 − 82 = 43 mmHg (normal: 30-50).
- 4Mean arterial pressure (MAP): (125 + 2×82) / 3 = 96.33 mmHg (target: 65-110).
- 5Pulse pressure > 60 mmHg can indicate stiff arteries (common in older adults).
?What is the Blood Pressure Category Checker?
The Blood Pressure Category Checker classifies a systolic/diastolic reading using the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association 2017 guidelines — the most widely-cited modern thresholds. Reports the named category (Low / Normal / Elevated / Hypertension Stage 1 / Stage 2 / Crisis), pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic — high values can indicate stiffened arteries), and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), the average pressure during one cardiac cycle. Useful for self-monitoring after a doctor visit, but always remember that BP varies significantly throughout the day and a single reading isn't a diagnosis.
The Formula
ACC/AHA 2017 Blood Pressure Categories
Use the HIGHER of systolic and diastolic to determine category.
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | < 90 | < 60 | Usually OK in athletes; symptomatic = see doctor |
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 | Maintain healthy lifestyle |
| Elevated | 120-129 | < 80 | Lifestyle changes recommended |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130-139 | 80-89 | Lifestyle ± medication based on risk |
| Stage 2 hypertension | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 | Medication usually started |
| Hypertensive crisis | ≥ 180 | ≥ 120 | Seek immediate medical care |
Practical Examples
120/80 — borderline. By 2017 ACC/AHA criteria this is now 'Elevated' (used to be 'Normal' under older JNC-7 criteria).
140/90 — Stage 1 hypertension under 2017 criteria. Lifestyle changes recommended; medication considered based on overall risk.
180/120 with chest pain or vision changes — call your local emergency number immediately. Hypertensive crisis with end-organ symptoms is life-threatening.
115/75 with no symptoms — the optimal range. Maintain through exercise, low-sodium diet, healthy weight.
Pulse pressure > 60 mmHg in older adults often indicates arterial stiffness — discuss with cardiologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular Conversions
Jump to a ready-made conversion — useful for quick reference and sharing: