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This is not a diagnosis

We give general information only. One reading can't tell anyone whether they have high or low blood pressure, and this page doesn't replace your GP, pharmacist or nurse. Please speak to your GP or practice nurse about your readings, especially if they are often high or you take blood pressure medicine. If you feel unwell, ignore the scale and get help. If you have chest pain, sudden weakness, confusion or trouble speaking, call 999.

1. Where did you take it?
The NHS uses a slightly lower level for home readings.
2. Your top number The higher number, in mmHg
3. Your bottom number The lower number, in mmHg

Enter your reading above to see where you are on the scale.

When to get help, whatever the number says

Call 111 if you often have headaches or blurred vision, have chest pain that comes and goes, or have other symptoms you think could be from your blood pressure.

Call 999 if you have sudden chest pain that doesn't go away, pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw, stomach or back, or chest pain with sweating, feeling sick, light-headedness or shortness of breath. Don't drive yourself to A&E.

How the scale works

The bands follow the general guide from Blood Pressure UK, with the NHS levels for high readings. If your two numbers fall in different bands, we show the higher one, because that is how the guide is normally read.

  • Low: top number under 90 or bottom number under 60
  • Ideal: 90/60 up to 120/80
  • Slightly raised: from 120/80 up to the high level
  • High: 135/85 or more at home, 140/90 or more at a clinic
  • Very high: 180 or more on the top number, or 120 or more on the bottom
Taking a reading at home
  • Sit quietly for five minutes first, with your back supported and your feet flat.
  • Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is level with your heart.
  • Take readings at about the same time each day, and write them down to show your GP.
  • Choose a monitor that has been checked for accuracy, for example one on the British and Irish Hypertension Society validated list.

General information only, not medical advice. Talk to your GP, pharmacist or practice nurse about your own blood pressure and before you change medicines.

Sources: Blood Pressure UK and the NHS.