This blood pressure chart and checker shows what your readings mean under the 2025 AHA/ACC high blood pressure guideline. Enter one to three readings to get your average, your category and the next steps the guideline suggests, including when a reading needs urgent care.
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Blood pressure chart for adults (2025 AHA/ACC)
| Category | Top number (systolic) | Bottom number (diastolic) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | under 120 | and | under 80 |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | under 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe hypertension | over 180 | and/or | over 120 |
If your two numbers fall in different categories, the higher category counts. A diagnosis is based on the average of 2 or more careful readings taken on 2 or more occasions, not on a single reading.
Is there a blood pressure chart by age?
No. Many websites show “normal blood pressure by age”, but the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline uses the same blood pressure chart for every adult. Blood pressure does tend to rise with age, but that makes it more common, not healthier. The treatment decision then depends on your overall risk, not your age alone.
What to do at each level
- Elevated: lifestyle changes first: less salt, more movement, weight loss if needed, less alcohol.
- Stage 1: medicine is usually recommended now if you have diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, or a 10-year cardiovascular (CVD) risk of 7.5% or more on the AHA PREVENT equations. Otherwise, 3 to 6 months of lifestyle changes first, then medicine if your average stays at 130/80 or higher.
- Stage 2: medicine plus lifestyle changes, often 2 medicines combined in one pill.
- Above 180/120: wait at least 1 minute and measure again. Call 911 if it stays that high with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision change or difficulty speaking. Without symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Find your 10-year risk with our free heart risk calculator.
How to measure your blood pressure at home
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff in the right size.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported, feet flat and arm resting at heart level.
- No coffee, exercise or smoking for 30 minutes before.
- Take 2 readings 1 minute apart, morning and evening, for a week, and use the average.
The Know Your Heart Numbers Kit includes a fillable 7-day blood pressure log that averages your readings for you and a 90-day plan to bring them down.
Blood pressure chart FAQ
What is a normal blood pressure?
Under 120/80 mm Hg is normal for adults under the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline.
Is 130/80 high blood pressure?
Yes. 130/80 is the start of stage 1 hypertension. Whether you need medicine depends on your overall heart risk and other conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Does normal blood pressure change with age?
No. The same categories apply to every adult, although high blood pressure becomes more common with age.
When is high blood pressure an emergency?
A reading above 180/120 that stays that high on a second check, together with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, vision change or difficulty speaking, is an emergency. Call 911.
Do these categories apply in pregnancy?
No. Blood pressure in pregnancy follows different rules, and 160/110 or higher needs urgent care. Follow your obstetric team.
This calculator is for education, not diagnosis, and does not replace advice from your doctor. Last reviewed: October 28, 2026. See our medical disclaimer.
