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Blood Pressure Chart
What blood pressure levels are normal?
Around 16 million people are living with high blood pressure in the UK. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can cause heart attacks or strokes.
Depending on the severity, high blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes as well as blood pressure medication. Talk to your nurse or doctor if you’re worried that your blood pressure is too high.
The blood pressure chart shows different levels of blood pressure, from low to high. You can use it to work out whether or not your blood pressure is at a healthy level.
Blood pressure levels - from low to high
The blood pressure chart maps out different levels of blood pressure to make it easy for you to work out whether your blood pressure is normal.
The different blood pressure levels are:
- low blood pressure readings are between 70-90/40-60 mmHg
- ideal blood pressure readings (healthy) are between 90-120/60-80 mmHg
- pre-high blood pressure readings are between 120-140/80-90 mmHg
- high blood pressure readings (unhealthy) are between 140-190/90/100 mmHg
If you’re finding it difficult to work out your blood pressure level, ask your nurse or doctor to help you.
What do my blood pressure readings mean?
Your blood pressure test will result in two readings. This is why there are two sets of numbers on your blood pressure chart:
- systolic (the highest number, on the left hand side)
- diastolic (the lowest number, along the right)
Systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure you get when your heart beats and pushes the blood around your body.
Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure, when your heart is relaxed between beats.
You can work out your overall blood pressure level by comparing these two types of blood pressure. For example, a healthy blood pressure reading might look like:
110/70 mmHg.
The first number (systolic) will always be higher. Where the two numbers meet on the chart is your overall blood pressure level.
Where can you have your blood pressure level checked?
You can get your blood pressure checked at your local GP surgery as well as in most pharmacies.
How often should I check my blood pressure readings?
It’s important to check your blood pressure readings regularly (about every 6 months), especially if you have had high readings in the past or if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
What does it mean if I have high readings?
If you have high readings, you may have high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can be dangerous to your health as it increases your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke.
You can help reduce your blood pressure by making some healthy lifestyle choices like:
- stopping smoking
- cutting down on alcohol
- eating a balanced, low-fat diet for high blood pressure
- exercising regularly
If this doesn’t help, your doctor might recommend you try medication.
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